In his BBC broadcast of October 1, 1939, Winston Churchill spoke of Russia as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."  His words have often been quoted, but the remaining words of his sentence are less familiar.  Churchill continued, "Perhaps there is a key.  That key is Russian national interest." Eighty years later, the view of Russia as an enigma preoccupies American politicians and news commentators.  Yet it is evident that pursuit of national interest is still the key to Russian policy.  Not surprisingly, as a large nation, about one eighth of the world's land mass, with an influential history and an important culture, Russia strives to be a great, even global power, and a member if not an equal partner at the international table of countries playing a role in resolution of pressing problems such as Syria and international terrorism. However, instead of discussing what Russian national interest might be, the media...(Read Full Article)