Simon Tisdall, The Guardian: Russia's involvement in Afghanistan increasingly echoes Syria campaign
Barack Obama’s volte-face on US troop withdrawals may be driven in part by concern over Moscow’s motives
In a disturbing echo of its Syria intervention, Russia is stepping up its military and security involvement in Afghanistan following Nato’s withdrawal and subsequent, dramatic advances by the Taliban and Islamic State.
Moscow remains wary of the Afghan quagmire, with memories still fresh of the disastrous 1979-89 war that cost the lives of 15,000 Russian soldiers and uncounted Afghan civilians, and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russian leaders are alarmed, however, at the growing threat Isis poses. They say it has established international training camps in Afghanistan, and they are concerned at the prospect of jihadis infiltrating the former Soviet states of central Asia and Russia’s mainly Muslim Caucasus region.
Update #1: Is Russia Making Moves On Afghanistan? (NPR)
Update #2: Why Russia Faces Another Islamic Terror Front: Afghanistan (NBC)
WNU Editor: I do not know anyone if Russia who would support a greater Russian military presence in Afghanistan. Of all the choices that Putin has to make .... this would be the hardest for him. Not surprising .... the Islamic State is trying to goad him down this road .... ISIS Shows Off Its First Graduating Class Of Soldiers In Afghanistan (Vocativ).