A Franco-Russian Rapprochement... Again
10 Mar 2010
The Wall Street Journal
In an opinion editorial, Ariel Cohen and Owen Graham discuss the launch of a new strategic partnership between Russia and France.
They note the new Franco-Russian embrace was marked by major deals across the arms, space and energy markets.
For France, the motivation to restart their Russian relations boils down to a fear of being left behind, and envy of Berlin's special relationship with Moscow, which has provided German businesses with billions in profits and with privileged access to Russian natural resources-one example being E.ON Ruhrgas's lucrative relationship with Gazprom.