Is Washington Surprise By Russia's Military Campaign In Syria?

© Russian Defense Ministry

Sputnik: Russia's Campaign in Syria Shocks Washington as Much as Launch of Sputnik I

Numerous officials and experts in the West have been astonished by Russia's military capabilities. Moscow's newest weapons are surely impressive in themselves, but many in the United States and Europe have also been shocked by the "style and speed" of Russia's military operation in Syria, Il Giornale reported.

Moscow's success in the Middle East and the attention it attracted has left a traumatic effect on America's political and military elites, much like the launch of the world's first satellite, Sputnik I, on October 4, 1957, the Italian newspaper added.

Back then Washington did not expect the Soviets to have the technology needed to make such an achievement. These days the US was unprepared that Russia managed to create a powerful and efficient military machine at a time of economic crisis.

WNU Editor: A little bit of hyperbole from Russian media .... and a little bit of truth. But the biggest impact is the realization in Washington that there is now a big player on the scene .... the free reign that the U.S. has had in the Middle East is now threatened, and that is making some people feel very uncomfortable.