Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 23, 2015

Michael Kofman, War On The Rocks: The Russian Intervention In Syria - Policy Options And Exit Strategies

Russia’s air campaign in Syria, along with a ground offensive led by the regime of Bashar al-Assad, are shedding light on Moscow’s military and political objectives. Where earlier there was only room for informed speculation we can now make firmer judgments. In Syria, as in Ukraine, the Western perception of Russia’s approach is often divorced from the course of combat operations. Commentators tend to fixate on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements, which rarely convey true motivations, and are more often part and parcel of Russia’s political strategy. There is also a tendency to create a false dichotomy, portraying Russian actions as evidence of either a thought-through strategy or reckless gambling.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 23, 2015

Russian military mission in Syria brings history full circle -- Maria Tsvetkova, Christian Lowe and Olga Dzyubenko, Reuters

Why Russia Is Friends With Syria -- Sputnik

Could a Hezbollah offensive test Russia-Iran alliance in Syria? -- Nicholas Blanford, CSM

Putin could alter balance of power -- David Ignatius, Omaha.com

Is Russia's Vladimir Putin turning back the clock? -- BBC

Is Turkey’s Military Reentering Politics? – Analysis -- Gerald Robbins, Eurasia Review

Pakistan and Afghanistan: The new Great Game -- Owen Bennett-Jones, BBC

A domino effect in Afghanistan -- Morwari Zafar, Al Jazeera

Why Pakistan is opening up over its nuclear programme -- M Ilyas Khan, BBC

Why Japan Should Rearm -- Brahma Chellaney, Project Syndicate

South China Sea Dispute: U.S. Challenge May Fall Into China Trap -- Euan Graham, Real Clear Defense

The World's Most Taxed Workers Get a Break -- Jean-Michel Paul, Bloomberg

Guatemala, wracked by 36 years of civil war -- AFP

The Drastic Step to Save Puerto Rico -- Bloomberg editorial

The Many Problems of a Hillary Clinton Candidacy for President -- Robert W. Merry, National Interest

Gun culture still strong in the US, polls find. But that may be changing -- Jessica Mendoza, CSM