Andrew Roth and Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Washington Post: Russia’s military is unlikely to turn the tide in Syria’s war
MOSCOW — Russia has triumphantly plunged into Syria’s four-year-old civil war with an expanding campaign of airstrikes. But the official euphoria here masks a nagging question: What can a limited deployment of Russian air power actually accomplish?
In the short term, Russia’s military will provide desperately needed air support and boost the morale of Syria’s battered army. The Syrian military will likely go on the offensive against moderate and Islamist rebel groups, including the Islamic State.
But unless it is significantly strengthened, Moscow’s contribution is unlikely to be decisive in the war, analysts said. While Russia boasts its military is stronger than it has been in 25 years, its forces still grapple with aging equipment and have a weak partner in the poorly trained Syrian army. There is also tepid support among the Russian public for a lengthy conflict.
WNU Editor: By itself .... I do not see this Russian intervention having a profound impact on the war .... the present commitment is just small and there are limits to what the Russian airforce can do. But in cooperation with the Syrian Army, Iran, and Hezbollah .... I can see this air power making a difference in certain battles.
Update: Russia says to step up air strikes in Syria -- Reuters
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