And so Syria and Kerry’s failed diplomacy with Russia. One week ago the on-line journal Debka suggested a balance of power between the United States and Russia: US, Russia on brink of military showdown in Syria even as there clearly is no equivalence or ground for comparison. First, successive US defense secretaries display lack of heart for use, or even threat of further military engagement in the region even as Russia daily displays by action its own level of engagement. Russian ambition has for centuries, and certainly since its ignominious rejection by Egypt forty years ago, planned its return, has maintained a toe-hold in both Syria and America’s new “ally,” Iran. Seemingly unaware or possibly hoping Russia would relieve it the embarrassment of its retreat President Obama actually invited Putin’s return. Desperate to escape the humiliation of his “line in the sand” threat to Assad Obama turned to Putin, a dream come true for the Russian! While Russian involvement on the side of Assad increased Obama stood on the sidelines warning of the quagmire that would be the Russian’s certain fate. In the end the quagmire Obama warned of is of America’s making and however one judge’s Russia’s contribution to the conflict its stature in the region today all but eclipses that of America. And the consequences of American lack of engagement are dire. Not only for the Middle East tottering on the brink, but for Europe and, yes, also the United States.

Are the United States and Russia on the brink of War?

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