For a while I thought Obama wouldn’t dare cross the Russians but he’s essentially fighting them and Iran via proxy.
I wonder if this conflict is essentially the Saudis (rebels/qaeda) vs the Russians/Iran. It’s no secret the Saudis have been funding Chechen militants fighting the Russians...
I figured Russia just supplied whoever had the money, but they seem to have a real stake in Syria. Much more than just any loyal customer.
>>I figured Russia just supplied whoever had the money, but they seem to have a real stake in Syria. Much more than just any loyal customer.<<
Decades of Russian-Syrian arms trade makes less turnover comparing to a slow day on East Siberian vodka market.
Russian ‘navy base’ in Tartus is nothing but a couple of hangars and a dozen people personnel.
I think Russian involvement in Syria is very personal and it is mostly because Russians love to kill muslims.
They will screw Iran as well, a bit later.
Remember: Though Obama did bow to Putin, he bowed more deeply to the Saudi King.
Some folks believe that the Saudis own Obama in some respects.
Other than his Administration’s maniacal push for abortion and sodomite rights worldwide, and its criminal silence when the Iranians almost overthrew the Ayatollahs early in his first term, I challenge anyone to point out a SINGLE Obama-Administration foreign-policy move or decision that does NOT fall in line with Saudi wishes. (Hint: The Saudis hate and fear the Iranians.)
miliantnutcase~:” I figured Russia just supplied whoever had the money, but they seem to have a real stake in Syria. Much more than just any loyal customer.”
Think of oil and gas pipelines.(both Russian and Saudi)
Think of more direct (pipeline)access to European makets
Think of the new oil fields that Cyprus and Isreal are developing in the Mediteranian Sea.
There is more than religious factioning and balance of power going on here.