Russia may be escalating military role in Syria: "With the buildup, the Russians could be looking to increase their ability to resupply Assad's forces and bolster his tenuous hold on power. Assad's army has lost large numbers of soldiers and weapons amid rebel advances. The Russians also could help guard the Alawite home territory to ensure that Assad has a secure escape route and refuge if he loses control of the capital. While Putin routinely rejects Western demands that Assad step down and make way for peace and a new government of national unity, the Kremlin leader has lately intimated that his support for the embattled Syrian leader may have its limits."
"With the buildup, the Russians could be looking to increase their ability to resupply Assad's forces and bolster his tenuous hold on power. Assad's army has lost large numbers of soldiers and weapons amid rebel advances. The Russians also could help guard the Alawite home territory to ensure that Assad has a secure escape route and refuge if he loses control of the capital. While Putin routinely rejects Western demands that Assad step down and make way for peace and a new government of national unity, the Kremlin leader has lately intimated that his support for the embattled Syrian leader may have its limits." Russia may be escalating military role in Syria Saturday September 5 th , 2015 at 10:32 AM Russian Moves in Syria Pose Concerns... Saturday September 5 th , 2015 at 10:43 AM Russians In Syria - Google News 1 Share Russian Moves in Syria Pose Concerns for US New York Times - 13 hours ago WASHINGTON