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Source: http://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/russians-leaving-syria/
Russian Intervention in Syria
(Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies-Bar-Ilan University) Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman - Russia's intervention in Syria was driven by Russian foreboding over what seemed at the time to be the immediate risk of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's army under the steady pressure of the Islamic State's military success. Putin was also adamant that the mistake of abandoning Qaddafi would not be allowed to repeat itself. By the late winter of 2016, everything had changed beyond recognition and the Syrian regime was no longer in immediate danger. Another remarkable achievement for Putin's policy is the new note of respect with which Russia is now being treated by U.S. diplomacy. Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman is a former deputy for foreign policy and international affairs at Israel's National Security Council.