... the reason for Russia`s support of Iran`s nuclear programme? Is it strictly economic? Does it give Russia more political influence as a regional power broker? A means to offset American influence and power in the same region? A combination of these? Something else?
Russia`s actions vis-a-vis Iran puzzle me greatly. They simply do not appear to be in Russia`s long-term interests. I would not think Russia, with her restive and expanding Muslim populations along her "soft underbelly", would want to help nuclearise the Islamic Republic, particularly given the latter`s long-range missile delivery systems.
Moscow, St Petersburg, and other major Russian (and European) population centres may very soon be in the nuclear crosshairs of a nation led by a man given to dangerously agressive words and ambitions. What is Putin thinking?
MV |
|
