The Pentagon prides itself on being capable to maintain air superiority in any theater, but US warplanes were unable to do that last week in Syria even though "President Obama sent two aircraft carriers to the Med to make a point and beat his chest in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin," L. Todd Wood observed. "It's good there is only a few months left of the Obama presidency."
Russian aircraft have made a real difference in the war-torn Arab country, while the US-led coalition has been unable to do that, the expert noted. This fact has not been lost on Washington.
But the upcoming US presidential election is also a factor. The Republicans have tried to score points by accusing Barack Obama of not being tough on Syria. Even Hillary Clinton has pledged to carry out a more assertive foreign policy in the war-torn country if she gets elected.
"Everyone is trying to use Syria to further their own agenda during the election season. Some try to paint Russia as a malevolent rival. Those who are smarter describe Moscow as a cunning opponent and advocate team work," he explained.
Russian military expert Viktor Litovkin echoed this sentiment, but questioned Obama's stated commitment to tackling the terrorists who are trying to establish an Islamic caliphate in Syria.
"We are not going to compete with the US over who rules Syrian skies. Syria is a sovereign country whom we are helping in its fight against terrorism. The United States has put on a show that they are fighting terrorists. Washington's true goal is to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's government," he noted.
