MOSCOW (AP) – For most Russians, there’s little not to like about their country’s military operation in Syria.
The airstrikes have demonstrated Russia’s might, turned the course of the war and made sure that Russia is once again treated as a world power on a par with the United States. And all at little cost.
When Russia began its air campaign on Sept. 30, there were fears that it would turn into a repeat of the disastrous Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979, which ended nine years later with thousands dead and a humiliating withdrawal.
Those fears have been dispelled as President Vladimir Putin has kept his word that there will be no ground action.
Denis Kuzichov, a 36-year-old artist in Moscow, said he supports Russia’s involvement in Syria as long as it is limited to airstrikes.