In fact, the United States and Europe, according to the analyst, have the only option with regard to Syria: they have to support those opposition groups who favor Russian military engagement and the Kurds even if the former infuriates Saudi Arabia and the latter enrages Turkey.
Pires de Lima also noted that the West can no longer throw obstacles in Putin's way. Undermining Russia's campaign against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups who are trying to overrun Syria is also not an option. This course of action would be morally unacceptable for the West.
The analyst added that to varying degrees and in different capacities Russia, Iran, the Kurds and China have stepped in to fill the security vacuum in Syria, which was created by the West. Should they be successful, Moscow will increase its influence in the Middle East, while Washington's reputation will be tarnished.
In late September, Russia launched a multinational aerial campaign meant to assist Damascus-led forces in their fight against extremists from the Islamic State, al-Nusra Front and other groups, who are trying to overthrow Syria's legitimate leader Bashar al-Assad.
Moscow's efforts have so far been hailed as a success in Syria and in some countries across the Middle East. Some say that Russia has been able to achieve what the US failed to deliver after a months-long bombing campaign, which has not been authorized by the Syrian government.
