Vladimir Putin’s sudden pivot to Syria allows him to achieve a few key objectives—to get Ukraine out of the headlines and to position himself as an important world leader with whom the West can and must do business. Meanwhile, the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Photo: Ameer Al-Halbi / APA Images via ZUMAWire
Russia’s Desperate Measures
Mitchell A. Orenstein, Foreign Affairs
Orenstein argues that Putin’s latest maneuvers in Syria are an act of desperation meant to distract the West away from events in Ukraine, and says that the U.S. must not be manipulated into bearing the brunt of the burden in Syria. Instead of waiting for Russia to make concessions on Ukraine, perhaps the U.S. should start calling the shots, Orenstein says.
Putin’s Military Intervention in Syria, Explained
Max Fisher, Vox
Several factors are at play in Russia’s move into Syria, including Moscow’s fear of losing its foothold in Syria to Tehran, and the possibility of a Russian bargain with the West. All eyes will be on Putin next week for any clues regarding his motives during his interview on 60 Minutes, his speech at the UN General Assembly, and his meeting with Barack Obama.
Why an Ex-Oligarch Is Suing Russia for $12 Billion
Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg View
Bershidsky interviews ex-oligarch Sergei Pugachev and explains why the former tycoon is taking the Russian state to court. He draws comparisons between Pugachev and another exiled oligarch, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, raising the question of whether Russia will need such businessmen again to rekindle the spirit of entrepreneurship after Putin’s rule.
Journalist Oleg Kashin Knows Who Tried to Kill Him
Andrew Roth, The Washington Post
In 2010, Kashin was beaten nearly to death for offending the governor of Pskov region, Andrei Turchak. Five years later, the case remains unsolved, but Kashin recently announced that he knows the names of his attackers. In an interview with The Washington Post, he explains what lies ahead in his quest for justice.
Putin’s Closest Ally — and His Biggest Liability
Oliver Bullough, The Guardian
Many wonder whether the Kremlin views Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov as a loose cannon, or whether Putin actually approves of his vulgarity and brutality. Bullough sheds light on what life is currently like in the Chechen republic and explains how Kadyrov gets away with murder, both figuratively and literally.
