What’s more important than security, peace of mind and moral fortitude? If you are Russian the answer is clear: money. Russia has been criticized, most vocally by the United States and the EU, for agreeing to a $1 billion arms sale to Iran. But why? Iran is an acknowledged sponsor of terrorism. It gives tacit and in many cases blatant approval (and financing) for terror attacks around the globe. Russia, on the other hand, has been a frequent target of Islamic terror. Hundreds upon hundreds of Russians have died at the hands of Islamic militants, including dozens of children just last year. Yet Russia continues to provide military aide and assistance to Iran.

Russia is largely to blame for the current Iranian nuclear weapons crisis, having provided the Islamic republic with crucial technology to enrich Uranium. Russia has sold Iran intricate missile technology with which the tyrannical state can now threaten its neighbors and now Russia has agreed to sell “defensive” weapons to Iran, including sophisticated anti-Aircraft equipment. Russia, naturally defended the agreement noting they were completely within their right to sell arms to Iran, without western interference. What Russian officials really mean to say is “we need the money” and thus we are willing to appease terrorists and sponsors of terrorism for financial gain. For all Vladimir Putin’s tough talk about stand tall in the face of Islamic terror, it is just that: talk.

Russia has sacrificed its long-term security interests for short-term cash infusions, which is why the authoritarian Putin would not hesitate to sell weapons systems to hostile regimes including Iran. Sadly, Putin’s actions will only result in the deaths of more Russian children. But then again, given Russia’s track record, they are perfectly willing to sacrifice the lives of their own people, in pursuit of state policy.
Link to Reuters article