Special to WorldTribune.com

by Dr. Jack Caravelli, Geostrategy-Direct

Russia is using a broad repertoire of economic, diplomatic and military tools to expand its influence in the Middle East, taking advantage of the Obama administration’s broad disengagement there.

Once described derisively by Barack Obama as a “local power,” Russia is demonstrating considerable interest and skill in the world’s most politically complex region.

Of particular note is the Kremlin’s interest in expanding relations with traditional U.S. allies while showing every intention of strengthening its existing relationships.

The centerpiece of those efforts is an aggressive and what almost certainly will be a lucrative campaign to begin partnerships with Sunni nations Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan — all historically supportive of U.S. policies — as those nations develop commercial nuclear programs.

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  Backbrounder, Centcom, Geostrategy-Direct..com, Intelligence ‘revolt’ at CENTCOM by 50 analysts is without precedent, Jack Caravelli