Middle East Crisis

Opinions on
Analysis: Putin is enjoying the situation when the Middle East is on fire

The war in the Middle East is creating new opportunities for Vladimir Putin, according to analyses in the BBC, CNN and The Independent.

All analyses have the same focus: The soaring oil prices are already good for oil-exporting Russia. In addition, the chaos in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to the easing of sanctions against Russia.

“It gives the Russian economy a possible adrenaline rush,” writes Nathan Hodge in CNN.

The Trump administration has already opened up for sanctions relief, writes Sam Kiley in The Independent. The US president is feeling the pressure when oil prices rise and Putin gives him an easy way out, which Trump could very well take.

Actually, Trump does not have to “help Russia to help himself” – according to the writer, there are better alternatives – but it is almost as if Trump wants to help Putin.

“He continues to favor Russia over Ukraine,” writes Kiley.

The war also gives Putin the opportunity to position himself as a power player in the Middle East and deepen relations with Washington, according to the BBC's Steve Rosenberg. In Monday's phone call with Trump, Putin is said to have offered to mediate, which Trump seemed to appreciate.

 

Israel-Hezbollah
780,000 have been forced to flee in Lebanon during the war

In a little more than a week, 780,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon due to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the country's social affairs minister said, according to the AP. Israel continues to attack targets in Lebanon, where the Iran-backed armed group is based.

On Wednesday, at least seven people were killed and 18 injured when Israel carried out an attack on a town in eastern Lebanon. Israel has also targeted apartments in Beirut, according to Lebanese media.

Hezbollah has also targeted Israel, attacks described as revenge for the killing of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.