ISIS on the offensive in Iraq

[Gilrandir]

"I thought we have had this out." You can believe what your heart wishes it happened. The reality check is what I describe. Crimea is Russian, Ukraine is not united, Russia is suffering economically as all countries due the fall of commodities (oil, iron, copper etc), and now, even the political attempt of isolation of Russia is fast vanishing in front of the Iran deal and Syria.

You choose to focus only on Ukraine's losses (which are no doubt significant) disregarding the setbacks Russia suffered.

What was severed off Ukraine made the rest of it more united than it was before Russia's aggression. And in 2012-2013 the number of Ukrainians who supported joining NATO fluctuated around 20-25%. The latest polls never show a figure below 60%. Before the war Russia could hope to exercise a hold on such aspirations since they were popular among a small number of citizens and politicians. By doing what it has done Russia gave a decisive push to Ukraine in NATO's direction. Strategically, it is the main setback, because even after Putin's age is over it would be almost impossible for Russia to change anything and lure Ukraine back into its orbit.

"if zink boxes start pouring from Syria" IF, and IF, Russia can do what USA did for Afghanistan, hind them.

They will, no doubt. But it has appeared hard to do in case of caskets from Ukraine. So news of them will find its way to the ears of the people. The problem is that most Russians seem to be ready to lump it. Until the casualties are too great to disregard them any longer.


And on why Putin is making a bad mistake with Syria:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/30/op...ollection&_r=1