Month: October 2015

The Price of Indifference and Self-deception

My Russian friends periodically ask me what Americans think about Russia. Recent developments have given rise to a new round of questions: Putin’s interview for CBS News’ “60 Minutes”, his UN speech, and the start of air support for the beleaguered Syrians. I can best address by referring to the […]

France: seeking old mandate in Syria

Russia’s decision to use its Air Force in Syria was a necessary step that is essential in order to maintain the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean. There is no alternative: Russia’s geopolitical interests dictate to block the Islamic State and other terrorist groups’ advance to the Mediterranean coast. […]

Putin’s Global Game Changer

Contrary to the expectations of many experts who were predicting a “second Munich” from Vladimir Putin in New York, the Russian president made no grandiose proclamations during his address to the UN General Assembly. In fact, he was outwardly far milder than one might have imagined. By comparison, Obama’s emotional […]