Russia, Turkey: A Grand Energy Bargain?

After months of intense negotiation, it appears a grand energy bargain has been made among Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. The deal will allow Russia a stronger foothold in Turkey's energy sector, give Turkey the opportunity to mend relations with Baku and secure a crucial source for natural gas to supply the European market, and provide Azerbaijan with political and security guarantees in its territorial dispute with Armenia. Several parts of this deal are not only completely unprecedented in terms of scale, but also could unravel down the road when political priorities shift and other opportunities or threats arise. For now, though, Moscow and Ankara appear to have found a way to use energy to enhance the strategic entente between the two Eurasian powers.