Russia is seeking more influence in the Middle East via heightened Arabic language television news broadcasts. Russia Reform Monitor reports:

The Financial Times reports that RIA Novosti, the state—controlled news agency and umbrella organization for Russia Today, the Kremlin's English—language news channel, has confirmed that it will invest $35 million in a new Arabic—language satellite news channel and that a Spanish—language television channel is also planned. The FT notes that the plans for the new foreign news services, which "appear partly designed to counter coverage in international media that officials in Moscow see as critical," come as Russia seeks to reassert itself on the world stage and expand its political and commercial influence in the Middle East.

Ed Lasky   7 11 06