President Vladimir Putin's trip to Saudi Arabia yesterday, which was his first since 2007, is illustrative of Russia's ascendancy in a volatile Middle East. Moreover, the visit underscored the extent to which Moscow and Riyadh's partnership has strengthened while the Kingdom continues diversifying Saudi Arabia's global alliances and friendships beyond its traditional western allies. In recent years, the Russians and Saudis have deepened their cooperation in order to protect global ...