The obvious confirmation of Putin’s diplomatic success is the agreement of President Barack Obama to meet with the Russian president. The journalist noted that despite the negative background of US-Russian relations, Putin has become a figure that Washington cannot ignore.
"The military surge in Syria has enabled Mr Putin to shift his image, a little, from pariah to powerbroker," the journalist wrote. "However queasy the US may be about Mr Putin’s intentions, he has also made himself a figure Washington cannot ignore."
Russia has laid out several goals in Syria. Moscow will support the government of Bashar Assad till the end and in case of his resignation; Moscow will try to prevent the anarchy that will follow just as it did after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime and Gaddafi’s in Libya and Iraq, respectively.
The fight against ISIL is a serious threat and "here he perceives a common interest with the US and potential diplomatic opening."
In addition, Russia will strengthen its influence in the Middle East, and will protect its naval base in Tartus, wrote Neil Buckley for the Financial Times.
Furthermore, recently the head of Pentagon, Ashton Carter, said that the US and Russia may share common interests in Syria.
In an interview with the American television network CBS, the Russian president responded to a question about the purpose of leading Russia in Syria, to which Putin did not deny that Moscow is trying to save the Assad government.
