Syria: The view from Moscow

QMUL's Dr Christopher Phillips argues that despite a weaker economy and the domestic threat of ISIS, Moscow is unlikely to change course on Syria. Of all the states involved in the Syria crisis, Russia has arguably been the most insulated from its fallout. Western states and their regional allies have been frustrated as their policies to topple President Bashar al-Assad repeatedly fail, while threatening jihadists such as ISIS have thrived in the chaos. Refugees have flooded Syria's neighbours. Even Assad's other ally, Iran, has seen its hard-earned regional reputation shattered. In contrast, the costs to Moscow have been limited. However, the conflict's echoes are finally being felt.