Aleppo will continue to endure attacks from both the Allied coalition and the Russian-backed Syrian government. The rebels' rejection of a ceasefire has only made matters worse.
The moment Russian warships head off to the Mediterranean weeks ago, it is clear that the end of the Syrian conflict is nowhere in sight. More than that, Moscow's deeper involvement paves way towards a far greater danger.
With the US Elections coming up, Washington's focus has been shredded with internal squabbles between the Democrats and the Republicans. It is likely that Russian President Vladimir Putin will capitalize on this development.
However, the Americans intend to counter Russia's mobilizations. As part of US preparations, a no-fly zone directive has been imposed in parts of Montana where nuclear-armed missiles are present.
In addition, the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean is buzzing with activities as maintenance approaches are underway for the B-1 and B-2 bombers. Moreover, Washington has upgraded the DEFCON level to three in response to the Russian threat.
According to The Australian news coverage, controlling Aleppo and putting Syria under greater Russian rein are the Kremlin's immediate priorities.
With the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the Mediterranean waters, the Federation will probably pursue an airstrike operation that will put around 250,000 civilian lives at risk.
Michel Clarke, former Director-General of the London-based Royal United Services Institute organization, expects that Putin's impending plans will bring memories of the Grozny attacks back in 1999 and 2000. Around that time, the Chechen capital has been under siege by Russian forces.
Moscow's air firepower, while untested, will be leaning on the carrier's fighter jets. A Russian airbase nearby will be adding 32 more planes. With a high number of aircrafts going into action, the Federation will be in position to hit the enemy within a 400-kilometer radius.
With Putin further igniting the situation, British Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon comments that UK is set for a showdown against Moscow in 2018 or 2019. Currently, about 800 British personnel are stationed in Estonia in ward off Russian provocations against the Baltic State.
With 25,400 individuals volunteering to join the local Defense League, weekend drills are being instituted. A former part of the Soviet Union, Estonia parted ways with the fallen superpower in 1991. Aside from military training, Estonians are also taught how to prepare improvised explosives.
