Putin doesn't give a rat's *** about ISIS, imo. Putin is trying to become the power broker in the Middle East. He is shipping arms to Iran and standing along side Iran to shore up Assad. Assad has been Russia's ally for a long time and Assad is Iran's puppet. With this strategy, Putin gets control over Iran and Syria.
The rest of the Middle Eastern countries are terrified of both Iran and ISIS. Russia is aiding them by fighting ISIS and controlling Iran. He will become their protector. What does Putin expect in return? High oil prices. Russia is in desperate economic circumstances. Their energy dependent economy needs higher oil prices, considerably higher.
With the U.S. exit, Putin has free reign. He isn't afraid of losing some troops in this battle. His focus is on control, influence and high oil prices. That gives him enormous international power. Most countries are very, very dependent on Middle Eastern oil.
The rest of the Middle Eastern countries are terrified of both Iran and ISIS. Russia is aiding them by fighting ISIS and controlling Iran. He will become their protector. What does Putin expect in return? High oil prices. Russia is in desperate economic circumstances. Their energy dependent economy needs higher oil prices, considerably higher.
With the U.S. exit, Putin has free reign. He isn't afraid of losing some troops in this battle. His focus is on control, influence and high oil prices. That gives him enormous international power. Most countries are very, very dependent on Middle Eastern oil.
