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Why Russia seeks to stay neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift

Russia's offer to mediate in the Qatar crisis is a strategic move designed to place Moscow in the catbird seat without endangering relations with either side.

Qatar's foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani shakes hands with Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov after a joint news conference in Doha, Qatar August 30, 2017. REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon - RC1DD95787D0
Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after a joint news conference in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 30, 2017. — REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon

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