The United States and Europe are not likely to achieve much by isolating Russia. It is true that Russian actions in Ukraine are not worthy of praise but we need to carefully analyze the entire situation. Should we blame only Russia for the current crisis? I think not. Had the western powers not meddled into the affairs of Russia’s next-door neighbor, Moscow would have not acted belligerently.

The western world does not want another Cold War with Russia but it is pushing the country to the brink thus leaving it no choice but to retaliate. History tells us that the western powers have always nursed a grudge against Moscow for God knows what reason.

Russia, at this point in time, should try to change its policies toward Muslim countries, which are more than willing to forge a strategic alliance with Moscow.

The first step Moscow should take is to do away with any anti-Muslim or anti-religion laws, if any. This will boost Moscow’s popularity across the Muslim world. Secondly, it should help the Arab countries to topple Assad’s regime in Syria. Muslim countries should guarantee protection of Russian interests in Syria and elsewhere. Both Russia and the Muslim world need each other.