In the 19th Century the competition between the West and Russia for influence in Iran was dubbed "The Great Game." Such games can turn dangerous, however.
Iran in the 21st Century arms terrorists in Gaza and Lebanon. It has targeted Israel for destruction and, by many accounts, is building a nuclear bomb. It boasts of plans for guided missiles. Meanwhile, Iran has sought weaponry to protect its nuclear sites from Israeli preventative attacks.
Russia is helping Iran to build its nuclear plant, though it says it is not helping Iran to convert its facilities to bomb-making and to develop guided missile capacity. Meanwhile, Russia is blocking efforts at the U.N. to sanction Iran for its nuclear weapons ambitions. And Russia is continuing to arm Iran to thwart possible attacks.
We have been told that this is about nothing more than mere money. Russia has weapons to sell and needs markets.
We are told quietly that Russia really is monitoring Iran's situation and won't let it get out of hand.
Unfortunately, all such assertions are beginning to wear thin. Friends of the U.S-Russian relationship have to be sober in the face of these realities.
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