What the Hell Is Putin Doing in Syria?
The presence of Russian troops in Syria will discourage other powers from invading.
Russia
French, German Leaders Give Putin Way Out in Ukraine
For the European powers, Ukrainian pride is a price worth paying to keep Russian aggression at bay.
Russian Jets Ignore Islamists, Defend Alawite Homeland
Rather than attack the Islamic State, Russia bombs in defense of Bashar Assad’s homeland.
Let’s Not Fall into Assad’s and Putin’s Trap in Syria
Syria’s Bashar Assad is not a bulwark against fanaticism and war. He is the enabler of both.
Europe Facilitates Russia-Ukraine Gas Deal
The agreement may be a sign that Russia is keen to normalize its relations with Europe.
Russia’s Putin Seeks to “Rescue” Syrian Dictatorship
The Russian leader argues that the alternative to Bashar Assad is the disintegration of Syria.
Tit for Tat: Russia Threatens Nukes in Kaliningrad
Russia threatens to deploy nuclear-capable missiles to its Baltic exclave. Again.
Belarus-Russia Relations Aren’t As Close As They Seem
While hosting a Russian air base, Belarus is also taking steps to distance itself from Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s Goal in Syria May Be to Worsen Refugee Crisis
By drawing out the war in Syria, Russia may be trying to exacerbate a crisis that is dividing Europe.
East-West Standoff Informs Russia’s Support for Assad
Russia has interests in Syria, but it also sees the war through the prism of its standoff with the West.
Russia’s Smart-Dumb Move into Syria’s Civil War
Russia’s support for Bashar Assad makes it seem more reliable to its allies. But at what cost?
Russia Seen Expanding Role in Syrian Conflict
Rumors swirl about Russian forces in Syria weeks after a high Iranian official visited Moscow.
In Fortress Russia, Putin Only Listens to Hardliners Anymore
The removal of pro-Western liberals has reduced the Russian president’s inner circle to hardliners.
America Shouldn’t Try to Pry China and Russia Apart
Rather than break up China and Russia, America should seek to isolate them together.
The Psychology of Loose Wheels
As the Russian economy tanks, the wheels are starting to come off Vladimir Putin’s regime.
