Look for more assertive Russia in Middle East

Al Monitor | http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/crimea-middle-east-afghanistan-russia-us.html

Look for more assertive Russia in Middle East

Vitaly Naumkin

March 19, 2014

Russia's recognition of the results of the Crimean referendum and the independence of the Republic of Crimea, and the subsequent acceptance of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as new constituent entities of the Russian Federation, have elicited an extremely negative reaction in the West and led Washington and Brussels to announce sanctions against Moscow.  Unless there is a de-escalation of the crisis over Crimea, the Obama administration could expect to deal with a Russian president more willing to challenge US interests in the Middle East.