If you consider this a geopolitical game, then from Russia;s perspective, on one hand we want to keep the US there to ruin them as much as possible, and because they are fighting people who could be a threat to us. But on the other hand, when we help, we get implicated, which can help the US, by getting us dragged in; it may even provide an exit strategy, leaving Russia fighting, whilst the US ships out. So there are great dangers with this one. So what to do given this situation. In my view Russia has taken the view that it is better to keep the US hands busy, and make sure they don't fail. Because US withdrawel is the worst option for Russia. It leaves the problem in Russia's lap. Russia has also decided to add its experience and thus push a diplomatic, political agenda as its model of involvement. This they hope will stabilise things over time, whilst at the same time grinding the US down a little more. Don't ne surprised if Russia is allowing transit, but then starts to appear as an intermediary peacemaker between the less extreme groups and the US. My hope is that, maybe trust in the end can come out of it, and that the geopolitical games can fade. We can together stabilise these areas, the US and Russia can do it, with Russia leading with the difficult diplomacy, bridgebuilding and pragmatism. The only dangers are with countries like the UK, who have their own agendas, and have a destabilising network, all of their own, if the US and Russia look too close, don't be surprised if you see induced trouble from the UK. Indeed the UK is the barometer as to the sincerity of US efforts, if the UK is indifferent, then the US is lying, if the UK gets worried and starts antagonising, then you know the US could be starting to play it straight. Remember all major conflict can be traced back to London. London is a huge barrier to US Russia cooperation, whether the US can overcome it, is to be seen

I am no defence analyst but I have recenty written something about that subject. Russia, the USA and "Little America" are the three most logical targets; in that order (Russia being the nearest one).

If Russia does nothing it will still be a target of AlQueda. That's just a fact, Russia is on their hit list regardless.