<
--------------
STRATFOR.com
--------------
THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
If it’s in the news, it’s too late...
Russia-Israeli Oil Deal Could Weaken Saudi Position
October day, 2002
Summary
The historical animosity between Israel and Russia softened after the Cold War, due in part to Russian immigration to Israel and Moscow's growing problems with Muslims. Since Sept. 11, that détente has transformed further into a tacit alliance. A new oil-transfer agreement now will empower the former adversaries to jointly undermine a common foe: Saudi Arabia.
Analysis
During the Cold War, Moscow and Israel found themselves frequently at odds. Israel not only disliked the Soviet Union's penchant for supporting the Arab world but deplored Moscow's treatment of its Jewish population. For its part, Moscow was infuriated by the U.S. proxy's ability to suppress Soviet-equipped Arab states, and viewed the Israeli nuclear arsenal with a wary eye.
However, following the end of the Cold War, this animosity softened. Approximately 1 million Russian Jews have immigrated to Israel since 1992; they now comprise 15 percent of the total population. That population shift has not only altered Israel's internal political dynamic but also has given the two states a role in each other's cultures and economies.
+++++++ NOTICE +++++++
This is an abbreviated version of a full-length STRATFOR report previously seen by our Members. To access STRATFOR's complete range of in-depth, objective intelligence and analysis on the globe, including our award-winning daily full text and graphics reports, click here and become a Member today!
->OR<-
Sign up here to receive our free daily briefing of important international events!
+++++++ NOTICE +++++++
(Story Source)
(c) 2002 Stratfor, Inc.
Dan
Russia-Israeli Oil Deal Could Weaken Saudi Position . . .