After four years of getting short shrift by his U.S. counterparts, Putin was standing with Trump, who lavished him with the praise, respect and awe normally heard only on Russian state TV.
Iran
Russian ‘Reset 2.0’: What Putin Wants From Trump At Helsinki Summit
“Scoring this reset 2.0 validates Putin’s strategy of staring down the U.S. with zero concessions and no change in Russian posture.”
In Russia, France’s Macron Tries His Next Charm Offensive On ‘Cher Vladimir’
“He is trying to position France again as a global power, not a European power, and of course in this situation contacts to Putin are pretty indispensable.”
After Diplomat’s Killing, Russia Doubles Down On Ties With Turkey
Putin needs Erdogan, and Erdogan needs Putin. What to do about Syria has become an opportunity for both leaders to act as power brokers in a global crisis.
Iran, Venezuela Form Oil Venture to Rival Shell, Eni
Iran and Venezuela, the producers of about 9 percent of the world’s oil, will form a $1 billion global venture for projects in countries where western companies are facing tougher business conditions.
Iran Wins Neighbors’ Pledge Not to Help U.S. Attack
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad played up a regional summit to fete Vladimir Putin as a friend of the Islamic Republic.
Iran Seeks to Undermine U.S. Energy Plan for Europe
Iran plans to import more oil and gas from Central Asia as it seeks to undermine a U.S.-backed project to build pipelines from the Caspian Sea to Europe.
Unlocking Turkmenistan
President-for-Life Saparmurat Niyazov harangued ministers, asking them why it took a foreigner to run a successful chicken farm.
Oil-and-Gas Rich Country Swallows Money, Still Needing More
“You have to swim somewhere,” says one girl who emerges from the murky water. “We live here, so what choice do we have? Our hair and teeth haven’t fallen out yet.”
