[GoldenState_Rose]

Again: I am not advocating for a response military or otherwise on America's part, but why is it none of your criticisms pointed to Iran, Assad, and Putin?

Clearly Putin is the one drunk on military aggression and empire-ambitions. And he doesn't care how much the Holy Land is sabotaged.

Confused by the Putin/Assad/Khomeini lovefest present on these boards.

[GoldenState_Rose]

Putin needs the war rhetoric to distract his population from their stagnating economy and other problems. It is a way to incite a response from us and dredge up anti-Western fervor among his populace.

Syria antics serve as test of our response. Especially of Trump's -- given his pullout commitment.

Putin knows we won’t do anything too crazy for fear of nuclear war. But he still needs the attacks to keep coming. Makes Russia the “besieged fortress” feel important.

Same thing reasoning applies to UK Spy poisoning fiasco. Timed just before Russian elections.

As one Russian KGB expert and insider puts it:

"Moscow’s goal is to demonstrate the UK’s weakness and isolation and to drive a wedge between us and other countries. The Kremlin understands how to make these sorts of interventions at just below the level that will trigger a serious collective reaction against them.”

If May fails to react adequately, she would appear weak. If she tries to fight back against Russia, she would discover the limits of collective solidarity..."

- Grigol Chkartishvili (aka Boris Akunin)

And the confusion from all this, often resulting on our part, is also part of the goal.

So: its psychological warfare both against West and Russian people. Putin needs a permanent crisis with the West to maintain legitimacy.