Russia, Syria and Putin

Q.   I was just wondering if you are thinking about doing a public reading on the situation in Syria.  There is a large build up of Russian military and naval equipment there, and the Russians are running airstrikes designed to knock out the groups trying to dethrone Assad, which is in direct conflict with the U. S. attempt get him out of office and bring about a regime change in order to get someone running the country that they like.  Plus, they would like get Assad out of the way in order to use Syria to build a natural gas pipeline that will supply Europe through Turkey and thereby cut off Putin's leverage on Europe through his own natural gas pipeline.  There are a host of groups and countries getting involved, and there is always the distinct possibility of direct military engagement between U. S. air forces and Russian air forces.  If that happens, it could escalate quickly into a much larger war between the U. S. and Russia. Also, NATO is beginning to feel threatened because the conflict could spill over into Turkey, a NATO country.

I realize this is a topic with a lot of negativity attached to it, but I think it would do us all a useful service if you could tune in on it and let us know what you see coming our way from this, especially in regard to a major war between the U. S. and Russia.
A.The first thing I see is that much of that part of the world does not want the US involved.  Under the current situation, China and Russia are rising to the top. The US is slowly losing control, and financially looking for ways to maintain power.  Being a dominant force (or having a strong presence in countries that have influence, especially Syria due to the oil) is essential in maintaining control.  I see the US in the midst of creating a destabilization in Syria, so they can go in an restabilize it with people that will support and have alliance with the US.  I see many references to the Confessions of an Economic Hitman movie when I try to see the dynamic of how this situation is playing out. The main difference in this situation is that Russia wants to come to the rescue, whereas most countries have no other resources by the time the destabilization occurs leaving them weak and open.

I do not see Russia backing down or being intimidated in this.  They are already upset and the undercutting of oil that occurred earlier in the year.  I see a backdoor deal being made with between Russia and China so if Russia needs the support, China will financially assist.  Russia has a lot of strength, but I get that economically it is a strain fighting this..  China isn't announcing this, because China is in business with so much of the US, but China is seeking for a way to emerge as a world leader...

I do see a confrontation over Syria.  The US is not going to give up this important position, and Russia isn't going to be manipulated either.  It feels like the beginning of a long, slow battle taking place.  I don't see Obama having to deal with this either, so it will be important for the next president to be prepared.  I get that most, if not all of the next president's term will be spent dealing with trying to compromise and end this.  I get in the end the US will have some kind of permanent base in Syria to have access to the oil, but Russia will win the pipeline war.