During attacks in Iraq, Putin declared victory over the US in Syria

With the world alarmed by the Middle East conflict between the United States and Iran, a leader seems to be self-contained: Vladimir Putin of Russia.

The Russian president arrived in Damascus on Tuesday on his second visit to Syria since the country's civil war began nearly nine years ago, Bloomberg writes, translates Periscopi.

The time in which this visit is taking place is important. The US and its allies are weighing the damages after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at the Iraqi and American air bases Wednesday morning in retaliation for the murder of its general, Kasim Solejmani last Friday.

International markets are moving badly and uncertainty reigns over the US military presence in Iraq.

But Putin is moving his agenda forward. The Russian president flew from Damascus Airport to the Russian forces' command post, where he met his counterpart and ally Bashar al-Assad.

“This is a clear message to his allies and opponents that when stability ends and danger increases, when uncertainty arises, Russia highlights its presence in the Middle East as unchanged, unlike that of the United States.” Andrey Kortunov, director of Russia's International Affairs Council, said a group of strong ties to the Kremlin. In contrast to Donald Trump's unpredictableness, Russia's consistency becomes an advantage. ”

Putin will also meet with Turkish President Erdogan.

Russia called the killing of Soleiman as a short-term <x0m-pame step” that would lead to a short-term “passing of” tensions. /Periscope