Perplexing Russia in the Middle East

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Byline: Francis N. Tolentino

FOLLOWING the article we wrote last February 22, 2006 entitled "Peace, Hamas, and the Middle East,aa we again focus our attention on the role that Russia is trying to project in the Middle East peace process. With the invitation extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Hamas group to visit Moscow and discuss the possible options available for the group and Israel to co-exist (and probably become partners in mutual economic and social growth for Palestine and Israel), we draw attention to the probable motives behind this bold diplomatic move and try to put to light the potential consequences this so called "discussionaa may inflict upon the Road Map to Peace (forged by the US-led coalition called the "Quartetaa composed of the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations) in the region.

Last March 3, 2006, the controversial visit of Hamas to Moscow took place. Meeting with …