THAT is an interesting idea
Although Pootie as most Russian nationalists is neither smooth nor subtle, he is a master at the geopolitical game and came away from Syria having spanked Obama AND looked like a hero
Why now? Why this way? Who pushed Putin across his red line (or is this just the first step across a wider red line that has yet to be crossed)
Was it by calculation or miscalculation?
Are ripples from the Benghazi bungle still spreading?
Putin does not want to be loved. He wants to be feared and respected, as a world leader and a man you do not cross. Ukraine dumping the Kremlin puppet was a blow to his status and reputation. He had to act to show he is still boss. Syria, Olympics, Crimea are perfectly consistent.