[z3n]

Am I the only one who thought there might have been a back room deal for Russia to help stabilize the Syria against Iran if the U.S. got out and stopped trying for Assad?

[Wizdum]

Probably not far off that mark. Russia knows that Iran, as long as the mullahs are in control are a bigger threat to the southern regions than Syria is, but a bigger foothold in the ME by Iran, threatens to destabilize the entire area, and Israel has shown in the past, they are not really concerned about borders if they feel threatened.

You can bet there is a lot of 'back-channel' talking going on from the Sauds, US, Israel, Russia and the Syrians.

[caww]

Sure....that’s been pretty obvious since Russia became the lead in their Summits awhile back. Putins not exactly crazy for Assad nor Erdogan as leaders of their countries but like our President you have to deal with leaders you don’t like.

[Paul R.]

I posted a while back that it would make sense to basically just let Russia & Assad have Syria (and Syria’s myriad problems).

Spelled out a bit further: In return Russia & Assad would offer some protection in the form of air defense for Christians, Kurds, and some others, and Russia would essentially guarantee the Iranians not be allowed to seriously threaten Israel.

The Iranians are (at least for now) still the Iranians, and likely to try to pull some stuff: This attack may (may) just be a slap on the wrist to tell them to behave.

Of course it could also just be friendly fire.

[SunkenCiv]

4D chess.