It didn't take long for the Kremlin to reject Kadyrov's quasi-resignation and for Russian media commentators to accuse him of gamesmanship. Either way, Kadyrov's capricious gestures bring to the fore the strategic situation in the Caucasus that the West should take very seriously. Both Iran and Turkey have tilted pro-Moscow - the two neighboring countries that could foment trouble against Russian hegemony. Instead Mr. Putin is nowadays chairing meetings with their leaders about the fate of the Middle East. That oil, under Moscow's sway, will provide additional strategic leverage and revenue for the Kremlin, while making a nonsense of any sanctions regime.

Source: Forbes November 29, 2017 19:30 UTC