As already known, the U.S. and other Western countries are in the mire as a result of their wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that caused increasing human and material losses.

The slogans of "freedom", "democracy" and "prosperity" advocated by them to justify the wars were proven to be hypocritical. This has increased disillusion among inhabitants and made even the authorities supported by the West turn their backs.

It has become the general tide to exclude the U.S. and other Western nations.

Availing itself of this opportunity, Russia launched a full-scale diplomatic campaign to marginalize the U.S. and the Western nations.

When Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki visited Russia in October,

President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev met him respectively to discuss many issues including cooperation in energy and military technology.

Especially the military cooperation topped their discussion which resulted in concluding a series of military contracts.

During his visit, Maliki underlined the need of Russia's support to his country's military and security fields, declaring that Iraq is of the stand to establish closer partnership with Russia.

A Russian expert on Mideast issues said the resumption of cooperation between Russia and Iraq in the sensitive military field that had been stagnant for nearly a decade was a very important fact.

The public opined that with Iraq's increasing tendency to keep itself aloof from the U.S. in the backdrop, Russia and Iraq met their common purpose of reestablishing bilateral relations through Maliki's visit.

As for Afghanistan, Russia has taken approach of restoring its influence as in the past.

The Russian paper Pravda on Nov. 20 carried an article titled "Russia is getting more sincere in Afghanistan" which said the government reviewed in full scale its policy toward the country.

Russia has also taken more offensive attitude towards the U.S. and other Western nations' attempt to take hold of Central Asian countries.

Russia recently decided to offer military and technological aid to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Experts say Russia's measure is intended to dispossess the NATO of its supremacy in Asia.

Observers foresee a fiercer standoff between Russia and the U.S. and other Western countries over the world's major strategic regions and strife to seize control of them.