Russia launched several missile air strikes into Syria on Wednesday, 10/7. Russia has sent in air support for Assad. And Russia has brazenly attacked US backed rebel groups opposed to Assad. There has now been battles in which Western backed rebels are attacking Assad tanks supported by Russian air forces. In other words, the proxy war between the US and Russia that Obama claims to not want, is actually happening.
On the diplomatic front, Russia wants a broad talk with the US on coordinating attacks in Syria, but the US refuses this and simply wants to nail down aviation etiquette to avoid accidental conflicts. The Russians have so far refused to respond to that request. In other words, Putin and Obama are talking past each other.
Reports have come in of Russians almost firing upon US drones.
How much longer will it take before an unintended conflict between Russia and the US occurs and sparks a major problem?
Putin is clearly supporting Assad and clearly attacking Western backed rebel groups. The US is clearly upset and angered by Putin's new war to aid Assad.
Are we on the brink of a World War? How much longer will Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Israel restrain their frustration at what they view as an out of control Russian intervention? How long will Obama and Putin be able to talk past each other before US and Russian forces hit each other?
It appears the conflict in Syria, now 4 years old, is turning toward a swift escalation. Putin is determined to help Assad defeat ISIS and any other opponents. The West wants Assad removed from power.
There are only two possible outcomes. Either the West backs down and allows Russia to help Assad end the civil war and regain control of Syria, or the West stiffens its opposition to Russia's intervention and a dangerous proxy war threatens to lead to a third World War.
It is my opinion that these next 18 months will see a slow but steady build up in escalating conflict between the West and Russia in Syria, that ultimately leads to nuclear war.
