Problems in the Med.

The tinderbox at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea is close to igniting.  In Egypt the Arab Spring revolution is likely to entrench the power of the military.  Israel  is locked in battle with the Palestinians and looking warily at adjoining nations. Syria is in a state of civil war and has shot down a Turkish military aircraft, the latest 'event' in a period of mistrust between the two countries. Lebanon and Syria have been at loggerheads for years.

Of course, these are not localised problems.  Turkey is a member of NATO and is calling for support from the organisation.  Syria is a client state of Russia.  Russia attempted to send a shipment of attack helicopters to the Syrian government.  The ship, flying under a flag of convenience turned back when the British insurance policy was revoked  (presumably under pressure from the British government). What will happen should the ship sail again with a Russian naval escort?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/9352396/Egypt-election-result-Muslim-Brotherhoods-Mohammed-Morsi-wins.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18568207

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9352852/Russian-arms-ship-to-make-second-attempt-to-deliver-helicopters-to-Syria.html