Newest Russia Threat? Military Challenges U.S. And Europe By Winning In Syria, Entering Mediterranean
By Tom O'Connor On 7/15/17 at 12:54 PM
Russia's support for the Syrian government in its war against jihadists and other insurgents has given Moscow a newfound military foothold in the Mediterranean, one that could present a serious challenge to another foe: NATO.
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank that monitors global conflicts, released a report Thursday linking Russia's commitment to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his armed forces with Moscow's desire to increase its leverage against U.S.-led alliance NATO, which dominates much of Europe. For years, Russia and NATO have been engaged in an international arms race, the likes of which have not been seen since the Cold War, and each side accuses the other of pushing the limits of peace among the world's leading military powers. By coming to the rescue of an old ally in the Middle East, Russia may have secured a new, strategic entrance to the heavily contested theater of Europe.
http://www.newsweek.com/new-russia-threat-military-support-syria-putin-nato-mediterranean-us-637244?piano_t=1