The strategy of Russia is to instigate conflicts around the world to pop up the price of oil. The Russian economy has to have an oil price of some $120/bbl otherwise the Russian budget is at a loss, i.e. no expansion of the Russian military.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov acknowledged that the federal budget for 2012 will balance only at an oil price of $117 per barrel. Source: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/heated-open-discussions-at-the-gaidar-forum/451595.html
The strategy of the Western world should be to invest in shale oil, natural gas, next generation of nuclear energy (Thorium), and defuse conflicts in the Middle East.
Interesting. Thanx
And you believe and trust this propaganda piece from the MOSCOW TIMES?