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It has been long understood that there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends in international affairs.

Putin (and apparently Trump) are believers in old-fashionable conflict which is resolved by concentrating on what is or is not in their national interests rather than an ideological dispute with huge citizen armies.

We have more in common than antagonisms. Russia is surrounded by actual and potential enemies as well as its indigenous Islamic terrorists. That is where we have an important common interest. One would think Russia would be concerned about China as well.

It must be accepted as fact that the Ukraine is within Russia’s Sphere of Influence. As Venezuela is clearly within ours.

Russian actions wrt the past election are clearly within the context of global maneuvering.

We are right in the midst of history in the making which will produce unfathomable events. This is deep state/shit.

“It has been long understood that there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends in international affairs.“

“Nations do not have permanent allies. Nations have permanent interests.” Benjamin Disraeli.

You know, when Russia/Putin “annexed” the Crimea, I understood why. For at least a century and a half it was Russia's warm water port. It has always been considered “Russian;” despite the fact that recently it was under Ukrainian control.

As for Syria. IIRC, back in the 60s, Syria was considered a Russian “puppet” after the French left. Egypt too during Nassar.

America is trying to play the Great Game that the British and French played with the Russians back in the 19th century. There is no reason we should play. We should support Israel as we have done since 1948 as well as though countries that are at peace with Israel such as Jordan and now Egypt and even Saudi Arabia it seems.

As for Iran...A secular republic friendly to Russia would not frighten me at night. We screwed it up by installing the Shah that later decided to go medieval on his people. I remember student friends here in the 70s fearful of the Savak even in the United States. I would prefer Iran friendly to both the US as well as Russia, but I understand Russia's concern as it is on its southern border. This is the reality, the realpolitik as Henry Kissinger might say.

Russia is not our friend, but they do not have to be our enemy either.