As an American living in Europe, I've just learned this fact last week, but I'm curious if the US gets its gas from the middle east, why hasn't Europe been doing the same? Ever since the fall of the USSR, it's not like western Europe welcomed Russia back into Europe with open arms (to my understanding, Russia is the entire reason NATO still exists). By comparison, Europe barely seems to register the middle east's existence (aside from when refugees start crossing the border in large numbers or when supporting US invasions). So politically it seems like they'd be a much better economic partner (especially since western Europe and the US are on generally good terms and the US has been heavily involved in making sure their oil interests in the middle east remain "secure").
Is it that Russian gas is actually cheaper but the US wouldn't buy from Russia?