Russia is emerging as the dominant player in the Middle East, despite the fact that U.S. military assets in the region far outstrip Russia's. We have far more troops and planes in the region, as well as being more capable of projecting our power.  But Russia possesses a key ingredient that has leaders in the region making pilgrimages to Moscow to meet Putin and not Washington to meet with Obama. Politico: The Russian military intervention turned the tide in Syria and, contrary to Obama’s view, has put the Russians in a stronger position without imposing any meaningful costs on them. Not only are they not being penalized for their Syrian intervention, but the president himself is now calling Vladimir Putin and seeking his help to pressure Assad—effectively recognizing who has leverage. Middle Eastern leaders recognize it as well and realize they need to be talking to the Russians if they are to safeguard their interests. No doubt, it would...(Read Full Post)