j-rog,

Putin very much cares about Middle Eastern affairs. Remember Russia now has a base in Syria and is using it now for its Med fleet. Russia is also arming Iran and has been substantially helping with their weapons’ grade enrichment program. Also, running political cover for the Mullahs. Oh, Iran is very much a strategic partner and not a distraction at all.

Moscow, Tehran, and Beijing are the three amigos who are not sparing any efforts to get our missile defense program stopped. They have an interest in getting Obama elected, since he has vowed to end the program.