What’s Putin’s Goal in Syria?

Fifty years later, one can only marvel at the cooperative relationship Israel has developed with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Putin has green-lighted Israeli air raids aimed at hampering Iran’s ambition to entrench its forces near Israel’s side of the Golan Heights and exploit that territory to funnel weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Suddenly, there are indications that Putin has switched the green light to yellow.

Reports surfaced last week that Russia and Syria would be conducting joint air patrols in strategic areas of Syria, and along the Golan. Since Israel scrupulously avoids aerial clashes with Russia, the joint patrols would further hinder Israel’s ability to take the initiative against Iranian encroachment.