That seems to be the principle guiding foreign policy in Moscow and Tehran. Those two governments have much to be dissatisfied with in international politics, and have decided that together they have a better chance of getting the rest of the world to pay attention to them. It is an alliance of convenience at best, however. Long-term interests are likely to create friction between them. While the rest of the world should not ignore this relationship, making too much of a fuss is also a mistake.
The new friendship was in evidence this week as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in Moscow. The two men began the four-day visit by signing a pair of agreements that call for more cooperation between their countries. The first set out general principles for the bilateral relationship, which includes, among other things, military cooperation. The second outlines principles to help resolve jurisdictional disputes over the resource-rich Caspian Sea. In a speech to the Russian Parliament later in the week, Mr. Khatami called for expanded ties in cultural, industrial and regional cooperation.
Friendly relations between Moscow and Tehran are not unprecedented. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Soviet and then Russian leaders cultivated Iran in an attempt to extend their influence in the Middle East and Persian Gulf; then, too, the two governments were linked by a mutual desire to cause mischief for the United States.