Putin of Arabia
Almost undetected, Russia is exploiting US policy failures to regain much of the influence that it lost in the Middle East after the Soviet Union collapsed. But strengthening the hands of the region’s most radical elements will only empower them to turn their attention one day to the 20 million “oppressed” Muslims of Russia.
BEIRUT – Almost undetected, Russia is regaining much of the influence that it lost in the Middle East after the Soviet Union collapsed. Ever since Russia invaded Georgia in August, Arab satellite television and Web sites have been rife with talk about the region’s role in an emerging “new Cold War.” Is the Arab world’s Cold War patron really back, and, if so, what will it mean for peace in the region?
BEIRUT – Almost undetected, Russia is regaining much of the influence that it lost in the Middle East after the Soviet Union collapsed. Ever since Russia invaded Georgia in August, Arab satellite television and Web sites have been rife with talk about the region’s role in an emerging “new Cold War.” Is the Arab world’s Cold War patron really back, and, if so, what will it mean for peace in the region?