Russia considering naval base in Libya?

Thanks to Adi for the link!

via LilbyanExpress.

The commander of the Operation Dignity forces of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) Khalifa Haftar arrived in Moscow Sunday to discuss military and weapons support for his forces in the east.
According to DEBKA website, The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, began to envision a second Mediterranean base on the coast of Benghazi, twin to Hmeimim in Syria’s Lattakia. This one would accommodate Russian naval as well as air units and be located 700 km from Europe.

Interesting.  If I was a believer in the "Russia is a threat" meme this would be extremely alarming.  Between improved relations with Egypt, almost a free hand to do as they please in Syria, almost the same in Iran and now a potential base in Libya, we're seeing an almost total realignment of regional power/alliances in the region.

The Middle East has been an American playground for over two decades but that looks to be under threat.

The multi-million dollar question will be whether or not Russia can help moderate the Sunni-Shia divide and if they can whether or not they can keep the Arab countries from making another run at Israel.

No matter how this plays out we're facing trouble.  China is pressing us in Djibouti, and now the Russians are doing the same throughout the region.  Oh and I don't know how they do it but the Russians and Chinese can station troops and there is no outcry from the local populations.  Let one Marine set foot on territory and everyone goes bat shit crazy.

I won't shed a tear and look forward to the Russians trying to deal with the craziness in that part of the world.  Others will see this as diminished US power and influence.  One thing is certain.  Russia is making moves to become a superpower again.