A game-changer in Latakia?

摘要

There have been many cruel twists to Syria's civil war. Yet even as it has evolved-from peaceful uprising into desperate armed revolt, then to sectarian bloodbath and more lately into a petri-dish for jihadists and a punchbag for foreign actors-there have been no decisive moments. For years the conflict has been locked in a grisly chess-game of sieges and stalemates, forcing out ever more refugees as a cast of combatants, none able to defeat their rivals, ravages the land. Now President Vladimir Putin of Russia has slapped a powerful new piece on the board, deploying a strike force of up to 2,000 men backed by aircraft, armour and intelligence kit. The sudden move mightily strengthens Mr Putin's ally, Syria's brutal but increasingly beleaguered regime. But just how Russia intends to use its force remains unclear. Russian power could simply heighten and further complicate the fighting. Or it could provide a decisive tilt, militarily and perhaps diplomatically. It depends on how Mr Putin plays his game.