Russia, Syria, and Strength

"We can't fight everyone at once. Think. Less emotion. You'll live longer."
--Miroslav Lokar (Behind Enemy Lines)

Russia sides with Syria and publicly joins others in urges for US to stand down in proposed military action against Syria. Putin understands strategic thinking. He knows that he can improve his image by siding with peace--even if that is not his long term intention.

He also knows that he is turning the screws on the American president. Whichever way Obama acts from here is likely to strengthen Putin's and the Russian position at the expense of the American president. If Obama attacks, then the US engages in an unpopular war that further weakens America's political and economic position. If the US president backs down, then Obama reneges on an initiative that he has foolishly escalated and thus faces humiliation.

We should expect leaders of all countries wishing to strengthen their positions vis a vis the US to line up behind Russia.

POSTSCRIPT: Note Syria's late morning statement here.