1. Introduction

The twists in Russian relations with the countries of the Gulf often confuse those Western and Russian experts who try to understand the place of the Gulf region in global Russian foreign policy. The task of these researchers would be easier if they could identify a comprehensive Russian strategy on Iran, Iraq and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as a clear vision of who is responsible for its formulation. It is, however, almost impossible to find any signs of such a general strategy or to identify a decision-making centre involved in its formulation and implementation.

Currently, there are a number of different Russian institutions which deal with the Gulf region. Their range is wide and their interests and activities are diverse. Among these are the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, NGOs as well as governmental, semi-governmental and private commercial companies. It is also obvious that a certain role is played by military structures and special services. At the same time, almost all of these (apart, probably, from the Administration of the Russian president), deal with a certain set of issues, and their area of responsibility is limited. As a result, whenever troubles occur, these structures justify their mistakes or passivity by saying that they “are simple executors of the government will.” However, they always have difficulties explaining who exactly or what exact body in the Russian government was the source of this will. Some of these simply refer to the Administration of the President whereas more informed people name the aide to the President of the Russian Federation, Sergei Prikhodko.

2. Russian Global Foreign Policy and the Region of the Gulf

According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the President defines the main guidelines of Russian foreign policy, and the government is responsible for the implementation of his decisions. It is, however, hard to find a document clearly stating the Russian strategy towards the region of the Gulf written either by the Presidential Administration or the government. This, in turn, poses a question about the very existence of such a doctrine, especially one which could be used by Russian private companies and public structures as a beacon in their activities in the Gulf.