Russia’s Putin reveals true intentions in Syria
When global attention turned to Russia’s deployment of troops, combat aircraft and tanks to Syria’s Latakia province earlier this month, Moscow and Damascus defended the military build-up as part of the fight against ISIL.
But in recent days, Russian president Vladimir Putin has confirmed widespread international concerns that his country’s military deployments to Syria is about more than fighting ISIL — it’s about ensuring the survival of the regime of Syrian president Bashar Al Assad.
The revealing of Mr Putin’s hardline stance on Syria’s government has put Russia and the United States — which previously said it would welcome Moscow’s participation in the fight against ISIL, but maintains that Mr Al Assad must go — at an impasse.
Earlier this week, Mr Putin finally laid out Russia’s intentions for Syria and hinted at what Russian military intervention will look like. Details
