Even now with the Russians on the verge of combat operations in Syria, the White House still says it believes that they’re there to fight ISIS. John Kerry says that his Russian counterpart told him that the Russians are “only interested in fighting” the Islamic State. Other administration officials hold out hope for a grand U.S.-Russia coalition against ISIS.
But that’s nonsense: Vladimir Putin landed troops in order to protect his investment in Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad.
The White House should know better, because no matter what U.S. officials say about fighting the Islamic State, Obama’s underlying goal in Syria is the same as Putin’s—to protect Assad.
That aligns Washington with Moscow—and with Iran, as it happens—and pits all against Israel, which sees the Iranian axis as an existential threat. ..."
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“That aligns Washington with Moscow—and with Iran, as it happens—and pits all against Israel, which sees the Iranian axis as an existential threat. ...”
Look at the map of rebel/ISIS held territory. If Israel wants to strike Iranian nuclear facilities they have to do now while Syria and northern Iraq are in chaos, held by rebels without an Air Force. Assad’s territory is a speed bump. And, Assad would hugely benefit politically and garner increased military support from Iran and Russia if it happened. Assad’s forces would watch it happen.