Russia Emerges as a Victor in the Endless, Vital Great Game

Commentary
Russia appears to have finally won secure access to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the goal it has pursued vigorously since the 17th century. The old Great Game may be over, but a new one has begun.
Russia’s new strategic logistical link and political alliances southward to the Indian Ocean have resulted from years of work, with many setbacks along the way for the Russian government of President Vladimir Putin. Many of the routes of riverine traffic, roads, and railways have been evolving in Russia over the past centuries and in Iran over the past half-century or more….