University of Tehran Published jointly with Iranian World Studies Association Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies 2588-3119 5 1 2021 01 01 Russia and Hamas after 2006: Realities of a Questionable Relationship 193 223 85684 10.22059/wsps.2022.334274.1249 EN Hassan Ahmadian Assistant Professor of West Asian & North African Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Barari Khodayar Assistant Professor of Russian, Caucasian & Central Asian Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2020 08 13 This article aims at examining Russia's relations with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Moscow's motives and goals for the establishment and enhancement of those ties. We explore Russia's worldview to position the Middle East and Hamas in a pre-established frame, subsequently examining the reasons behind the development of these relationships. This article sets out to answer a two-fold question: What has been Russia's aim of receiving Hamas leaders and establishing high-level relations with this movement since 2006, and what components have influenced these interactions at international and regional levels? The paper argues that Russia considers its relations with Muslim nations and movements not only a foreign policy principle but also a domestic issue. Hence, it seeks to take advantage of the U.S. retrenchment from the region to expand its influence, play a mediatory role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and elevate its reputation among Muslims inside and outside the country. Recognizing Hamas' position, Russia resolved to develop its ties with Hamas' leaders, started negotiating with all the parties in the Palestinian national reconciliation process, and provided political, economic, cultural, financial, and security support to eventually affect Hamas' stance vis-à-vis Israel. https://wsps.ut.ac.ir/article_85684_5ad3cd8429a82ca4a8c01ba4e59623ad.pdf