Russia to Deliver Anti-Aircraft Missiles to Syria

The latest from the Beeb:

Russia says it will go ahead with deliveries of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, and that the arms will help deter foreign intervention.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the missiles were a “stabilising factor” that could dissuade “some hotheads” from entering the conflict.

Russia also criticised a decision by the EU not to renew an arms embargo on the Syrian opposition

Assuming there’s really no way this can end well for the Assad regime, the Russians are doing what they can to prolong the Syrian Civil War, while berating those who might do something to shorten it. And making intervention more difficult, too.

I suppose this is something of a warning shot to the Israelis, who have already struck at least twice against Syrian forces in recent months. But the S-300 is an older design, and one the IAF seems to have lot of practice evading or spoofing. So you have to wonder if Russia is merely doing this for the money, for saving face, or both. Because materially, a few S-300s aren’t going to make much difference in this war.