Saudia & the Kremlin

"... Overall, the coming weeks will keep observers busy for indicators of the result of this critical meeting between Bandar and Putin in late July 2013. Putin is scheduled apparently to be in Iran and Egypt before September 2013. Putin's visit to Iran will likely focus more on the future of Syria than Tehran's nuclear program. The Russian president's visit will help solidify the Kremlin's commitment to Shiite Iran and their man in Syria, Assad. Putin's visit to Egypt is crucial. The Egyptian military and Russians share similar views on Islamic parties. Since Mohamed Mursi was ousted on July 3, the military has moved to cripple the Muslim Brotherhood by closing television stations, arresting their leaders and use force to disperse their protests. Russia has been known to be aggressive against other Islamists who fight Kremlin rule...."