Russia’s hydrocarbon geopolitics

Russia is moving towards building new geopolitical muscle based on its huge oil and gas riches: this week Moscow conceded that its policy, notably in the Middle East, has been strongly connected with energy considerations.

“The situation in the Middle East influences the world economy, notably one sector in which Russia holds a special position, the energy sector. This and many other things determine our proactive approach in the Middle East,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said after talks with visiting Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on January 31. In response, Abbas told Putin that Russia has a key role to play in the Middle East.

www.atimes.com