Russia's invasion of Ukraine enhances strategic importance of Middle East

While the responses from oil-rich kingdoms and Israel to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are varied, there is no doubt the war will have a deep impact on countries in the region

Most of the attention is on Saudi Arabia, the only country in the region capable of ramping up oil production in a significant way. PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON - Officials in Washington have refused to either confirm or deny rumours that US President Joe Biden is considering an imminent trip to Saudi Arabia in order to enlist the support of the oil-rich kingdom in the current showdown between Russia and the West.

But the fact that rumours of this kind circulate indicates that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has enhanced the Middle East's strategic importance to both Europe and the US.

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