Russia’s ability to play a major role on the world stage is fast diminishing, while its ambition to be acknowledged as a “great power” remains firm.
The ceasefire celebrated by a new wave of Syrian airstrikes is designed, therefore, to exacerbate divisions between various rebel groups and their sponsors. As such, it is certain to unravel as the retreat and defeat of the Islamic State eliminates the basis for unity between the irreconcilable parties to the unfolding tragedy.
