good point----one of the saving graces ofRussia, Turkey and Iran? I don't know whether in English-speaking culture there is a fable about a Swan, Crawfish and Pike and their attempt to pull a cart. This possible alliance reminds this story.
ISLAM is the sunni/shiite divide. As to Russia-------it seems to be going back to the religion
of the GREAT AND GLORIOUS SCHISM. I grew up with serb playmates. Their family seemed to me to DESPISE WIDELY-----the catholics (CROATIANS) above and the Bosnians (MUSLIMS) below. Alliances seem
like a very remote possibility