A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma

Self interest is again in play by ensuring that Iran remains reliant on Russian influence regarding a more secure defence against the potential of air strikes from Israel and/or the United States.

The European financial crisis has provided Russia with an opportunity to expand its influence in the Mediterranean, which may also offer a potential alternative location for its military base should the Syrian location become untenable.

The Cyprus banking sector is struggling due to exposure to Greek debt and the Central Bank of Russia is reported to be considering a loan worth several billion dollars.

Cyprus has been an EU member nation since 2004 and Russia clearly sees a strategic opportunity for expanding its sphere of influence.

There has been a great deal written about the rise of China and the challenge it poses to the international order, but there has been less focus on the impact of a resurgent Russia which could, over time, be more critical to global peace and stability than the impact of a powerful China.

Russia has long played a key role in global affairs and there is every indication that it is once again poised to flex its diplomatic, economic and military muscle.