Russia’s move to cement its alliance with Iran in Syria during last week’s meeting of 200 world leaders here underscored a troubling development for the Obama administration and its European allies: Despite July’s nuclear deal, battle lines have deepened in the Middle East. Russia appears increasingly willing to strengthen ties with Tehran to prop up the Assad regime in Damascus and cooperate on other issues. Meanwhile, the region’s proxy wars have intensified as Saudi Arabia seeks to stymie Iran’s push for wider regional clout before Tehran gains a major economic boost from the easing of Western sanctions early next year. Saudi officials made it clear at the U.N. that they wanted no part of any regional discussions involving Iran. After the July 14 deal, President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials publicly voiced hope that the nuclear accord could open a window for greater cooperation between the West […]