Putin’s Reckless Syria Escalation Makes Russia, Russians, Target of Global Jihad (Again)

... Russians feel good about projecting strength as the expense of their main rival 3.) Use this action to rehabilitate and increase Russia’s global power by a.) framing the intervention as Russia taking a responsible and leading role in combating ISIS and preserving state sovereignty/the world order; this in turn can hopefully b.) Relieve pressure/sanctions regarding Russian actions in Ukraine c.) show regional dictators in the Middle East that, unlike the U.S., Russia will not be a fair-weather-friend ...