One of the background issues in the Syrian civil war is the proposed natural gas pipeline from Qatar to Turkey. Qatar has been pushing for this pipeline for many years but has been stymied by the refusal of Syrian President Assad to allow the pipeline to be built across Syria. The Turks obviously favor the pipeline because it would allow Turkey to collect transit fees which would be a considerable source of revenue. The Russians oppose the pipeline because it would bring alternative natural gas supplies to Europe that would undercut Russian control of the European energy market.
The major power that has remained somewhat aloof from the conflict in the Middle East is China and it is difficult to figure out eaxctly what China’s interests are in the long run. Clearly, China cannot remain indifferent to the disposition of petroleum and natural gas, its most important imports. But beyond those concrete interests, how does the conflict fit into the Chinese world view? A Chinese blogger, Yang Hengjun, places China’s perspective in the context of the “Clash of Civilizations” thesis developed by Professor Samuel Huntington several years ago. I do not personally subscribe to the thesis, but it offers an interesting insight into Chinese values.
The lower house of the Brazilian Congress has initiated impeachment proceedings against the president, Dilma Rousseff. The proceedings will add a great deal of uncertainty to a country that is already reeling from an economic downturn and corruption scandals.
World Politics News 
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