Foreign Policy Analyst: Russia Got What They Wanted From Syria
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Foreign policy analyst Ed Turzanski assessed Russia's decision to start withdrawing troops from Syria and concluded their President Vladimir Putin thinks his goals have been fulfilled for now, but will return if he feels necessary.
Turzanski, the John Templeton Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT that Putin always leaves the White House playing catch up.
"Putin, know this much, he has a plan. It is several steps down the line ahead of where most of the administration's thinking is. I've often likened it to a three-dimensional chess master playing against someone who hasn't figured out double checkers. That's where the administration is right now. Every time you see these dramatic illustrations of Putin advancing geopolitical position, President Obama gives an interview where, in effect, he says, well, Putin is on the wrong side of history."
He contends the Russians have gotten what they wanted out of Syria, and will go back when they want more.
"He's not out for good. He now has an air base to go with his naval base. What he has said is, I've accomplished the goal for now. Everybody in the room knows he can come back whenever he wants. So Putin, why does he do it? Because he can. He is demonstrating capacity and that leaves everybody in the room guessing."
