Russia: Real game changer in Syria

It was mid-July this year when senior American officials described a deal between Ankara and Washington over the former?s full and active participation in the international coalition?s fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), opening its most strategic bases to coalition countries as a ?game changer? with the hopes that Turkey?s move would help to defeat jihadists in Syria and Iraq.

Although it?s still early to discuss about its initial military results this recent in the field, it obviously has already caused a counter-move from Russia, which has already proven that it won?t let Western powers to do whatever they want in Syria. Russia has openly stated its intention to provide more military assistance to Syria, as well as to deploy its own troops in its traditional ally?s soils for President Bashar al-Assad?s continued rule. It is reinforcing its naval base in northern Syria with more sophisticated weaponry systems and making clear that it will continue to challenge U.S.-led coalition countries as it did since unrest broke in this country.

Thus, Russia?s move can be seen as retaliation to a recent deal between Turkey and the U.S. that would on the one hand fight against ISIL but on the other hand would aim at further weakening the Assad regime. T

That allows one to describe Russia?s move as a game changer in response to Turkey joining the coalition and the U.S. using Turkish air bases.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem confirmed on Sept. 20 that Russia?s growing military role will prove a game changer in the fight against jihadism, namely ISIL and al-Nusra Front. He also blamed the U.S. for not having a clear strategy in combatting jihadists.

What?s unclear and worrying is how Russia will use its...