Russian Oil & LNG Deals w/Lebanon, Syria,Jordan and Iran?World's #2 Oil...

IT'S THE PIPELINES, STUPID: How to bring down a giant, one blood vessel at a time....
MOSCOW - Russia is moving towards building new geopolitical muscle based on its huge oil and gas riches: this week Moscow conceded that its policy, notably in the Middle East, has been strongly connected with energy considerations.

"The situation in the Middle East influences the world economy, notably one sector in which Russia holds a special position, the energy sector. This and many other things determine our proactive approach in the Middle East," Russian President Vladimir Putin said after talks with visiting Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on January 31. In response, Abbas told Putin that Russia has a key role to play in the Middle East.

Russia, the world's No 2 oil producer, sits on some of the biggest untapped oil and gas fields in the world. No big wonder that Moscow closely monitors developments in the Middle East, which accounts for roughly two thirds of the world's crude reserves, as any kind of transformation there could change the global oil business landscape.

In its recent Middle East dealings, Russia's emerging hydrocarbon-based geopolitical muscle featured prominently. For instance, Russia and Syria are considering signing agreements allowing Russian companies to join oil and gas projects, including development of known reserves and constructing several pipelines, including the Syrian portion of a Pan-Arab pipeline project.

As the new rush for crude gains momentum, Moscow is keen to play a role in the Middle East. Former prime minister Yevgeny Primakov, now head of Russia's Chamber of Commerce and Trade, is to visit Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Iran February 6-13. The current political situation could not be more favorable for the development of economic cooperation between Russia and the Middle East, Primakov said last week. With the backdrop of Chinese competition for world oil supplies, notably deals in Iran and elsewhere, Moscow will keep a keen eye on the region.

In East Asia, Moscow's policies have been increasingly connected with the oil and gas game. Notably, the long saga of Russia's Pacific oil pipeline came as an example that there was a lot more at play than a mere commercial transaction.
/www.energybulletin.net/4215.html

of agreement. Was still hazy early this morning when I heard it.
China & Russia were in agreement to help each other with oil reserves and trade. China is near (does it own?) reserves in the south China Sea. I know no details and have not heard it reported anywhere, so maybe I was dreaming. Russia's access to the middle east was mentioned as a major component of the deal.
I've been saying for a long time China will let us bankrupt ourselves and burn our military out AND fight terrorists for them, then step in at an opportune time to build their alliances. At the same time we destroy our alliances and will lose access to oil in the middle east after the civil war in Iraq and the Saudi royals get overthrown.

Two events are to come to pass. Russia moves against the Middle East (Israel) and is driven back by the EU. China moves with a million, million man army toward the Middle East. Indeed, all the players are presenting themselves to protect their rights to the last of the oil.

How long are the known oil reserves to last?

These countries wouldn't give a hoot in Hell for the Middle East if it wasn't about the oil. They'd give it the "Africa" treatment otherwise. Genocide ... whatever. Mass AIDS outbreaks ... whatever.

"Moscow" with "Washington" and it would almost be equally valid. I say almost because Russia hasn't invaded Iraq and isn't making threats against Iran and Syria. This is so ironic when Bush & Co talks about "peace" and "freedom" around the world: Russia is actually co-operating and talking, not invading and threatening.

it is at www.energybulletin.net
it is on todays listing though it is not brand new.