This report is a useful reminder of the Russian diplomatic moves in the Middle East during the first half of this year which were clearly triggered by the alarming tensions between the United States and Iran beginning from circa the end of 2006 on; a last detail the author of this report does not elaborate about despite its importance, regretfully.

Equally, the author seems unwilling to elaborate on the Russian relationship with Iran.

Overall, the facts the author reports about add to our concern about Russian ambitions on gas and oil worldwide; and certain quotations confirm an aggressive Russian stand toward the United States that clearly goes beyond mere economic competition.

Equally important, this report shows that Russia’s opinion in matter of domestic policy is still largely inspired by its customarily undemocratic principles it is now seeking to promote in the whole Middle East.


Stan,
I couldn’t but notice the last phrase of this article you recommend the reading:

“But then, Russia, remembering the most important teaching of communism, prefers the common good to its own personal ambitions, a principle it has demonstrated repeatedly in its efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict.”
Once more this does little to dissipate our fear that Russia still stick to its old uses and hypocrisy.