Thursday, December 10, 2015

Syria Is A Testing Ground For Russia's Military

(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Russian President Putin visiting the Armed Forces Central Command Centre. Kremlin.ru

Blake Franko, National Interest: Russia's Military Is Catching Up to the West by Fighting in Syria

Even if the Syrian intervention fails, Russia's military is reaping long-term rewards.

There has been much sensational media attention over Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision to shore up Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, with hints that it could even be the start of a second Afghanistan for Russia. But there are strong incentives for Russia to fight in a limited role in Syria. The New York Times recently highlighted this, detailing how Russia under Putin has been keen on advancing its military prowess and Syria has therefore become Russia’s proving ground. In this sense, the invasion of Ukraine and intervention in Syria are no mistake, but rather stepping stones toward a larger Russian strategic goal.

WNU Editor: This is definitely not a repeat of the Georgian war fiasco.

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