Analysis all wrong. Soviet Union, Russia has a relationship with Syria going back at least 60 plus years. Russia has given the Syrians enormous amounts of sophisticated military equipment. Russia will not abandon Syria. Weak Russia?, Who won World War 2. Not so weak.

Soviet, Russian military hardware, tanks, artillery, planes and the most sophisticated air defense system in the world.All of this military equipment has enabled Syria to wage war on Israel for 60 years. Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, First Lebanon War, constant conflict and tension., Only someone who is not facing reality would term Russia weak. Russia, was and remains a great power.

Russian made Kornet anti-tank missiles gave the israeli army fits during the second Lebanon war. The Kornet missile destroyed scores of israel Merkava tanks, the best tank in the world. Never underestimate mother Russia.

just fine? Once smoked, a herring cannot become a "Mattias" ! That's how brain-washing works it's miracle. Wow.

Let's make something clear. Arab armies are designed for internal policing. They can not go toe to toe with a western style military. One example in all out war in 1991 US solders slaughtered an estimated 40-80,000 Iraq soldiers and lost a little over 200 and most US soldiers died in training accidents. If you take away Russian nukes, Russia is maybe a few steps ahead of the Arabs, however you still don't want to corner a wounded bear.

What a stupid remark! American soldiers have 3 wars in 40 years, including Afghanistan, where Russia suffered its "humiliating defeat" and America was no less humiliated or defeated. So who is actually the better army?

but they are not stupid enough to try and take on America, it's a no contest. However they wouldn't mind watching the syrians die testing their weapons against Americans.

Putin calculated maneuvers are aimed at once-and-for-all stripping Europe away from the American sphere. The more frightening it gets in the Middle East, the more American and European voters convince themselves to vote in way-left anti-war doves. Putin's plan is succeeding beyond his wildest dreams.

This writer had lost his train of thought at the end of the article... maybe he had to run to the restroom.....

A US attack on Syria will weaken Assad and strengthen the al-qaeda elements waging the war against the Syrian government.

Do not forget that the Christian Orthodox Church has deep roots in Syria, just as old as in Israel. Russia is Christian Orthodox if anyone did not know... Russia will not give up on Syria, as far as allowing Israel to be gassed that is the opinion of foolish knee jerk minded simpletons. Russia has too much invested now in both countries to have it all get blown to bits. NATURAL GAS! People better get educated... Russia wants to bring Iranian gas to the Med via Syria. Is it beginning to make sense to you now people? The petrodollar is threatened. American hegemony is threatened. Therefore the Saudi implanted butcher al qaeda Jihadis in Syria. The Saudis risk losing their dominant role as America's dollar foundation and backbone.. They prefer Syria be utterly destroyed...Wise up people....

I will be the first person to admit surprise if the USA doesn't do something 'very positive' in Syria against Assad. Talk is cheap, actions are expensive but worthwhile. I agree with the author's opinion. And I also believe that the writer of comment number 5 is very correct regarding commentor who wrote 2, 3, and 4. So-called 'Mother Russia'has done a number on that poor fellow, Michael.

Putin speaks strong and also acts even stronger: he delivered tons of weapons to Assad because he is sure to be payed cash spot-on by Iran.Assad is the butcher-Putin is the jester and purveyor but Iran is the ultimate adress for cash - political-military retaliation.So Obama will achieve very little in 90 days of sparsely hitting a few targets.And by the way you seems to forget Obama has just lifted sanctions on Europens buying iranian oil.So Obama is the weak part since he even tries to reach a deal with Teheran while at the same time gesticulationg with Assad.On the tactical level Iran has compelled Obama to swallow the syrian gas provocation , it now allows Iran another 3-4 months of tranquillity to achieve its nuclear toy.By jumping on the Assad provocation Obama proved one more time he is a naive, incompetent, goofy, grotesque character.

Syria has been a Soviet/Russian client state for almost as long as it's been a state. Russia never wavered in its support of Syria, even when it was in best interests to withdraw that support. The author should cut back on the Kool Aid.

Obama already has, Plocker....what planet are you living on?

Obviously, Russia has blinked by proposing to take over of Syrian CW by international community.