Successfully causing quite a stir, Russia has decided to send fighter jets, weapons, and some troops to assist the Assad regime in Syria. The United States has tried to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts by convincing Bulgaria and Iraq to close its airspace to Russian flights. Nevertheless, the measures have not deterred Putin.

These actions have enormous implications. Russia’s military buildup in Syria designed to support the Assad regime could deepen the rift between United States and Russia, as the United States opposes supporting Assad. While Russia fighting ISIS in the process of assisting Assad may be a good thing, Russian influence in the region may prove contrary to U.S. interests in the long run. If Putin succeeds in his endeavors, the Russians will have significant influence over any new Syrian government that may form, replacing American influence in the region. In addition, Iran also supports Assad. Therefore, indirectly, Russia intentionally has chosen to side with Iran, an American rival.

Luca Jobbagy’ 16 commented on the repercussions of Russian actions, remarking, “Russia’s support of Syrian troops embodies yet another attempt to destabilize Western Europe, this time by instigating a flood of refugees which the West must handle. Russia’s actions are unquestionably worthy of denouncement.”

Many analysts feel that Putin’s aggressive behavior results directly from his lack of fear of any consequences from the United Nations or the United States. Paul John ‘19 agrees with the analysts, stating, “The Russians behaved aggressively in the Crimea and little to no action was taken by the international community. Why should Putin feel that his intervention in Syria will be any different? Putin feels invincible.”

In response to Putin’s actions in such a volatile region, the United States has reached out to Russia to prevent any accidental military misunderstandings in the region that could lead to an escalation of violence. Moreover, the United States hopes to perhaps have limited coordination with Russia in the fight against ISIS, despite their differences over the Assad regime. In such an unstable situation, all crises are not predictable or avoidable.