America is getting blindsided: How our imperial arrogance is continuing to wreak havoc

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16. U.S. assessment on Russia in Syria: A 'strategic blunder'

Washington (CNN)There is no ambiguity now about Russia's current tactics in Syria -- they are seeking to take over the airspace in the region and be the agenda-setting force on the ground, several senior administration officials told CNN.

"Yesterday's demarche to the U.S. by Russian officials in Baghdad was clear in its intent," one senior administration official said. "Make sure you don't have anyone around ISIS targets and get out of the air."

And while U.S. officials have no plans to cede Russia any ground, they also said it appears that Russian President Vladimir Putin made a dramatic chess move that the Russians have not thought through -- one official even called it a "strategic blunder."

Had the Russians been clear that they are providing support in Syria to prevent Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regime's collapse -- a scenario that would benefit ISIS -- they might have gotten some credit on the world stage.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/01/politics/russia-syria-isis-bashar-al-assad/index.html

Edit: this one is for you, Geek.