Unlike America's military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq, this process will not be a protracted one, Whitney added.
"What the western media characterizes as a 'quagmire' has all the makings of a stunning victory for the Russian-led coalition that is gradually reestablishing security across Syria while sending the invaders running for cover," he said, referring to foreign mercenaries, who are fighting for Daesh, al-Nusra Front and other radical groups in Syria.
Whitney maintains that Americans are "conditioned" to believe that any military involvement in a foreign land would necessarily turn into a quagmire. These concerns are understandable. After all, the United States was dragged into two military campaigns in the Middle East that has only contributed to more violence and instability in the region.
Russia's case is different. "The fact is, however, that Putin has no intention of getting 'bogged down' in Syria for a decade or two. What he plans to do is to defeat the enemy and move on," Whitney noted. "Recent reports from the frontlines suggest that that is precisely what he is doing."
Russia launched its limited but highly efficient aerial campaign on September 30 following a formal request from Damascus.
