Posted on 12/31/2017 5:49:31 PM PST by GoldenState_Rose
In 2005...Putin famously remarked that the collapse of the Soviet Union marked the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century.” The years since have seen Putin pursue a foreign policy centered in large part on recreating a modified version of the old Soviet sphere of influence.
In military terms, this has meant creating or supporting security blocs, such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, that are tethered to the Kremlin and are designed to further Russian strategic priorities in the Eurasian theater. On the economic front, Putin has put forth an alternative to the EU, known broadly as the Eurasian Economic Union.
Politically, meanwhile, Moscow has invested enormous capital in building closer ties with countries such as Belarus, and to assorted Central Asian regimes and eastern European governments, in an effort to increase its political freedom of action along its periphery. The result is what can best be described as a postmodern Russian empire—one not of actual military control but of political and economic dependency.
Iran plays a large part in these plans.
- Iran is increasingly vital to Russia’s economy. Over the past few years, Russian fiscal health has been ravaged by low world oil prices and successive rounds of Western sanctions aimed at penalizing it for its aggressive policy toward Ukraine.
For its part, over the past several months, the Kremlin has concluded at least $10 billion in new arms deals with the Iranian regime. Nuclear commerce between the two countries has seen a similar surge.
- Russia likewise needs Iran to preserve its presence in the Middle East. Like the Islamic Republic, Russia has become a crucial player in the ongoing Syrian civil war.
(Excerpt) Read more at foreignaffairs.com ...
hehe...”awkward pause” — well, I trust Trump’s judgment with regard to solidifying our relationship with them.
A democratic Iran would be a game changer. It may be wishful thinking but crossing off an enemy would be spectacular just like if we turn the Norks.
Look at the map and ask yourself: “does Russia border Iran?”
Then ask yourself: “does the US border Iran?”
“” “Russian people are watching closely because while not to the extent of Iranian oppression, there is a growing discontent with the Putin regime... “ “”
ROLFMAO!
And back to the topic in order to answer the question would Russia help or not you should start with the question what US wants from Russia.
Second I don’t see some adequate response from US on developing situation too and I also think Russian leverage over Iran is overestimated. Iran is not a Russian puppet.
Last but not least you shouldn’t take cooperation for granted. Russia is under US sanctions along with Iran itself. You want to play a zero sum game on their interest but expect their support for your bets. It’s not how foreign politics work.
Overall I believe Russia is interested in freer Iran unless it would be someone’s puppet.
Personally, we do not need any help from them - simply nullify the treaty and re-institute every sanction under the book on Iran....!
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