Russian missile strikes dismissed as “bravado”
The missiles Russia launched into Syria yesterday were in and of themselves of little military significance. The same damage could have been down with airstrikes. So, according to the Pentagon, it was showmanship. However, that particular cruise missile goes supersonic for its final “sprint” to the target and is capable of badly damaging US carriers, perhaps even sinking them.
Iran’s Supreme Leader proscribes further negotiations with the US
Ayatollah Khameini has closed off further dialogue with the US. Why? He is concerned with increased westernization of his country’s youth; he is concerned with the popular support for President Rouhani, who may become a rival; Russia may have pressed for this in return for propping up Syria in recent weeks.
Russia strengthens military presence in Tajikistan
Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, is experiencing Islamist unrest, in part due to the Taliban in northern Afghanistan, in part due to indigenous ethnic tensions. Russia had combat troops fighting Islamists in Tajikistan back in the nineties; it may have to do so again. Paradoxically, ethnic Tajiks are the most reliable foes of the Taliban in Afghanistan.