Russia is interested in participating in the anti-terrorist operation for the following reasons:
First, it expects to enhance its reputation in the Middle East this way;
Second, it can show the rest of the world that it does not regard itself as banned from solving global problems;
Third, it can demonstrate ability to behave actively and independently;
Fourth, it wants to increase its influence in Iraq, where Russian oil giant Lukoil has already invested $4 billion in the oil sector.
Read more at: http://carnegie.ru/publications/?fa=57043