Since the 1930s the Middle East has emerged as the world's most important source of energy and the key to the stability of the global economy. This tumultuous region produces today 37% of the world's oil and 18% of its gas. When it comes to reserves, the Persian Gulf is king. --> MIDDLE EAST.
Russia, country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once the preeminent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.; commonly known as the Soviet Union), Russia became an independent country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. --> RUSSIA
Explanation:
SUMMARY UPDATED:
The middle east may be emerged as one of the most important source of energy to the world but Russia is one of the biggest places in the world although it is an independent country causing there to be more recourses from Russia compared to Middle East! The only difference here is that Middle East has been important since 1930s but Russia became independent form Soviet Union on 1991.
