Qatar saw the investment as a way to strengthen political links with Russia as well as develop new business opportunities. Russia and Qatar have not been the closest of friends. Russia suspects Qatar of supporting militant Islamist and jihadist groups in Syria and of having done so earlier in Chechnya when Russia was battling Chechen Islamists there. Russian agents in 2004 assassinated Chechen rebel leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev in the Qatari capital of Doha. Dealing with Russia is hedging its bets in recognition of the bear’s rise and the rise of populists in the west willing to deal with Russia.

Source: Daily News Egypt January 17, 2017 09:14 UTC