Putin\u2019s stance on the Syrian crisis has further strained Russia\u2019s already tense relationship with its Western counterparts.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Russia started launching airstrikes<\/a> <\/em><\/span>in Syria<\/em>. A spokesperson<\/em><\/a> from Russia\u2019s embassy in Washington, D.C.\u00a0has reiterated Foreign Minister\u00a0Sergei Lavrov\u2019s assertion that \u201cthe airstrikes are targeted at ISIL [Islamic State], Nusra, and other terrorist groups.\u201d Western officials, however, have claimed that the bombing campaign is in fact targeting pro-western rebels. Over the past two weeks, these strikes have hit CIA-sponsored rebels in Syria. According to U.S. officials<\/em><\/a>, the targeting of these specific groups suggests that the true goal behind the attacks is the weakening of America\u2019s allies.<\/p>\n NATO officials have also protested what they allege to be the deliberate violation of Turkey\u2019s airspace<\/em><\/a> by Russia\u2019s air force. In response to this provocation against Turkey, which has been a NATO member since 1952, and with an eye towards emphasizing the alliance\u2019s commitment to collective defense<\/a><\/em>, NATO has announced its intent to bolster its forces<\/a><\/em> in the Baltic countries, Poland, and Ukraine. Despite NATO\u2019s relatively cautious stance, continued Russian operations may force the alliance to take additional steps<\/a><\/em> aimed at ensuring the integrity of Turkey\u2019s borders and sovereign airspace<\/em><\/a>. If Russian incursions into Turkish airspace continue, NATO will have to decide how to respond<\/em><\/a> to fulfill its collective defense obligations under Article 5.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Putin\u2019s stance on the Syrian crisis has further strained Russia\u2019s already tense relationship with its Western counterparts. Earlier this month, 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