It’s a well-known Achilles heel of Western foreign policy to undervalue the strategic importance of religion, and perhaps nowhere is that more clear at the moment than in assessments of Russia’s intervention in Syria and Iraq.

Beginning in late September, Russia unleashed a massive bombing campaign against ISIS and Al Qaeda targets. Some pundits believe its perceived success could translate into a boost for Russian influence in the region.

In part, that may explain why the Obama administration announced Friday that a small contingent of American special operations troops, fewer than 50, will move into northern Syria to assist moderate opposition groups in fighting ISIS.

Read the article “The Risks of Letting Putin Posture as Charlemagne in Syria” on cruxnow.com.