Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 28, 2015

Paul R. Gregory, Politico: On Syria, Putin goes for his holy grail

Ahead of his meeting with Obama at UN, Russian ruler has gone from shadows of isolation to a major deal maker with the West.

On Monday September 28, Russia’s president will propose to the UN General Assembly his plan for a broad coalition to defeat ISIS. His words will be backed by clear evidence of a substantial Russian military buildup in Syria, including Russian fighters entering Syrian airspace with transponders off. Whereas Russian troops and equipment were delivered to Ukraine in strict secrecy, the Kremlin seems to be purposely telegraphing its military moves in Syria to tee up Putin’s speech.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 28, 2015

The Great Game Comes to Syria -- John McLaughlin, OZY

The need for a new formula in Syria -- Murat Yetkin, Hurriyet Daily News

Refugees at Syrian border say the loss of hope will push out millions more -- Scott Peterson, CSM

Russian Bear Supplants American Eagle in Syria, Beyond -- Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News

Obama vs. ISIS = stalemate? -- Peter Bergen, CNN

There's a War on, So Obama Calls a Meeting -- Eli lake, Bloomberg

Feted in China, Xi's U.S. profile dims in shadow of pope -- Ben Blanchard and David Brunnstrom, Reuters

The Sad Decline of Yemen, the Best Country You’ll Never Get to See -- Barry Pell, Daily Beast

Is an 'Afghan Awakening' the solution? -- Helena Malikyar, Al Jazeera

Nepal accuses India of an economic blockade as border trade freezes up -- Bikash Sangraula, CSM

Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement, One Year Later -- Su-Mei Ooi and Megan Day, The Diplomat

Catalonia election: what does victory for pro-independence parties mean? -- Alberto Nardelli, The Guardian

Catalan, Scots independence drives enter new chapters -- Angus Berwick and Elisabeth O'Leary, Reuters

Colombia: too early to celebrate peace -- Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald

Colombia's Chance at Peace -- Bloomberg editorial

Water Found on Mars Could Be First Signs of Martian Life -- Matthew R. Francis, Daily Beast