I too would like better, confirmable information about Russian force strength. You’re right- if they have an Army on the ground, then Syria is just a beachhead. They’d blow through ISIS like it wasn’t there and go after the Saudis.
Interestingly while digging for hard numbers, I’m seeing articles that indicate that some Russian troops are refusing orders to Syrian deployment, while understanding of the consequences of doing so.
Apparently in the Russian forces, a formally acknowledged combat deployment brings eligibility for death benefits for the widow. A combat deployment without formal acknowledgement and written orders does not.
I see a lot of this as Russia vs. Saudi Arabia over access to European energy markets. The Russians can block the pipeline to Europe if they control Syria. It would be a bold move to go after the Saudis militarily. I remember hearing that a lot of Saudi money went into propelling Obama into the Presidency. If he’s their sock puppet, AND if there’s that kind of Russian strength on the ground in Syria, then we risk a major war.
With global energy prices where they are, will blocking a pipeline be enough for Putin and Russia?
What are we prepared to do about it- the ultimate question in a worst-case scenario. More aptly- what is *this administration* prepared to do about it in it’s last months in office?
Odd that the Russians have a top-notch anti-air control mechanism...which would necessarily complicate any attempt by the Israelis to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities.
On another note, didn’t President Putin recently open a giant mosque to show support for the Iranian regime?