NEW YORK ¨C Vladimir Putin says he is withdrawing most Russian forces from Syria because his ¡°objectives¡± have been achieved. How to judge that boast?
On such goals as keeping the dictator Bashar Assad in power, increasing Russian influence in the Middle East, restoring Moscow¡¯s seat at the table of global power, and sending a message of strength to Islamic extremists inside Russia¡¯s own borders, the jury is still out.
But it¡¯s not too early to consider Russian success on another front: showcasing military strength to potential adversaries, allies and arms buyers. ¡°Essentially, Russia is using their incursion into Syria as an operational proving ground,¡± retired Air Force Gen. David Deptula told the New York Times last year. And Moscow proved quite a bit.
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