Iran becomes a major problem

Pravda ^ | January 23rd, 2017 | Dmitry Nersesov

[Mariner]

Following the strange story with the use of the military airfield in Iran's Hamadan, it has become clear that Russia should not trust Iran. The events of the recent years can only reinforce the impression. Russia and Iran have different approaches not only to Syria - Iran shows influence on Russia's relations with the United States.

The talks between Russia, Turkey and Iran started in the Kazakh capital of Astana on January 23. The talks are of paramount importance for Russia, because they could become the first platform for establishing a dialogue with the new US administration.

"We think it is appropriate to call representatives of the UN and the new US administration for this meeting. We hope that the new US administration will be able to accept this invitation" Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

The talks in Astana about the regulation of the Syrian crisis could attract the Trump team to the joint coordinated work on the issue. At the same time, it is obvious that any sort of agreements for reconciliation in Syria can not be solid and durable without the participation of the United States. Noteworthy, the invitation of American experts for the talks in Astana was agreed with Turkey.

[PIF]

“They’ve been holding annual joint war games with the ChiComs since 2005, in obvious preparation for war with the US and our allies.”

Well, that’s one take. However, do not mistake the Russians learning more about the PLA when the nest border clash happens. It used to be that Russia’s front line troops in the heaviest concentrations, and the latest and greatest military gear was on the Chinese border. At one time, it was thought that the next use of nuclear weapons would be at the Sino-Soviet border.

The border is still contested, but quiet today. Tomorrow is a different matter so it behooves Russia to know as much as possible and the same goes for the PLA.

In short, working together to meet a future challenge by US forces could just be for show, as these things usually are.

[iontheball]

The regime in Iran is illegitimate.
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The problem is bigger than Iran, it is Islam.

[DouglasKC]

Yup. It’s better in the long run economically for Russia to be aligned with the US rather than Iran. Putin’s no dummy...he knows Trump has a BIG problem with Iran.