Analysis: Even if Russia loses Iran as an ally, it stands to profit from the chaos in the Middle East

CNN
 — 

There’s long been an awkward tension at the heart of the Kremlin’s complex relationship with the Middle East.

On the one hand, Russian alliances and economic influence there have traditionally been strong.

On the other, as one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers, Russia tends to profit when things in the energy-rich region go awry and the markets get spooked.

That’s exactly what is playing out right now, with the Kremlin watching its Iranian ally being drastically weakened by Israeli airstrikes, while reaping the benefits.

On the face of it, Russia has so much to lose.

Iran has…