Moscow’s intervention in Syria revealed a Russian military transformed from the war in Georgia but cuts threaten modernisationThe first pilots arrived back in Russia from Syria on Tuesday,to the strains of bombastic military marches, cheering and a “mission accomplished” vibe if by breathless state television reporters. The Syrian adventure, or at least the television portrayal of it,has shown off a unusual, confident Russian military. Millions of Russians watch nightly bulletins in which their heroic fighter pilots drop precision bombs on terrorist targets, or while there has been no great public enthusiasm for engagement in Syria,it has enhanced the image of the military among Russians, and surprised foreign observers.Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com