Syria's President Bashar al Assad attends an interview with a Greek newspaper in Damascus, Syria in this handout released May 10, 2018. SANA/Handout via Reuters
WNU Editor: No one else is covering this story (so far), but it is here .... Syria's Assad flies to Russia for talks with Putin (Reuters). Why the trip .... one week after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was in Moscow .... my gut is telling me that Putin is trying to broker something.
5 comments:
We can call it South Russia...
Sounds like Mr. Putin is working toward keeping his naval base and air force presence while disengaging from the larger affair. Perhaps to mark time and be on the scene for any opportunities that will arise later.
JH
JH,
I agree. I just don't know how Assad has any power to tell Iran to go back home.
jac,
He doesn't, but the Israeli's (minus Russian air cover) do.
JH
Jac,
A little more. As I said above I think Putin is trying minimize his exposure while maximizing his ability to exploit opportunity. Assad gives him credibility for being there that can't be overemphasized. Also if it goes south on him and Assad, Assad's Alawite power base gives good cover for Putin's Naval Base and air force presence. Something is definitely cooking, as a guess the Iranians should be ready to be abandoned. That brings the whole situation down to the decision of Solemeini who has rapidly dwindling options open to him. I've said many times before what I think he'll do, but I'll spare everyone a repeat.
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