Hi AC,

Yeah, of all nuclear contests that are least likely, that between Israel and Russia is probably right up there. Not gonna happen. If Iran is much further along that generally supposed, then maybe a pre-emptive Israeli strike might make more sense, but Netanyahu is hardly likely to have telegraphed that to Putin. As you hint, there may be much more to all this toing and froing.

And one of the least likely scenarios surely is for Israel to get involved in a total-war between Sunnis (Saudis, Egyptians, etc.) and Shi'ites. If Trump pulls US troops out and it's all go, Israel surely would have enough sense to keep on the sidelines ? Barrack but don't join in ?

On the other hand, one might think, wouldn't Israel prefer to keep a lid on the whole thing, beg Trump to keep US buffer troops in Syria, not least to protect the poor bloody Kurds (who have done so much of the fighting against ISIS - remember ISIS ?) against Erdogan, and try to keep the Shi'ites fragmented, keep them busy in the Yemen, busy trying to funnel arms to Hamas ?

Or does every player think "Ah, it's my time now" ? Gosh, that's worked okay throughout history. And of course, it will be Syria that will be the playing field, again, in this case.

Joe

Netanyahu's visit might've had something to do with Russian S300's in Syria.

"If Iran is much further along than generally supposed..."

http://youtu.be/4NCncdy89Q4
Watch this one too for some backstory.
http://youtu.be/xmXsPyyORIg

There are many videos on George Webb's channel with relevant info and often I can't find info again easily.

Syria Plan A was proxy war using jihadists to overthrow Assad, when that didn't work it Syria Plan B was back the Kurds and also that botched coup on Erdogan.

I think Iran probably is seeking nuclear technology, not necessity just for missiles but also nuclear propulsion systems for subs and carriers.

They say 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' but I think that's just more for their own people and governments sake.
Everyone wants to have a nuclear deterrent, but they also know there will be hell to pay (their own destruction) for using it.

Iran does have reasons to be paranoid, after all they were on Wesley Clarks '7 Wars in 5 years' neoconservative hit-list.

Why, Netanyahu and Putin are genuinely good mates with common interests and their conversation must have included the moving of the Russian embassy to Jerusalem - Russia was the first to recognise Western Jerusalem as Israel's capital!

Russia's interest is to control Syria and gain access to the Mediterranean. Assad is just a harmless puppet, but not Iran, nor Turkey for that matter and Putin has no interest to keep Iran and Turkey as "partners": he wants Syria all for himself.

While the USA is tired of the Middle-East and wants to withdraw, Israel and Russia become natural allies. After all, Russia (then U.S.S.R) was Israel's best ally in 1948, before America stepped into that role. America just broke its word on Iran, so it may well break its word on protecting Israel: Netanyahu is wise in starting to prepare for the day-after-Trump.

Yuyutsu
I dont think Russia wants Syria for themselves, so much as they dont want threatening neighbours.
Assuad has been a non-threatening neighbour to Russia, for decades, and I dont think Putin liked the idea of Potential hostile forces as Russian neighbours.
Better the devil you know than unknown Sunni and shi-ite forces especially Isis who are also Sunni.
Assaud being on Friendly terms with Russia probably does allow friendly access
to trade and resources, possibly pipelines, why would Russia want hostile enemy neighbours.
All humans and countries are mainly driven by self interest.

This war is about oil and gas pipelines. Russia has a strategic interest not just because of its naval port in Tartus but also from an economic point of view, because these pipelines would affect Europe's reliance on Russian oil and gas.