Russian President Vladimir Putin is maneuvering for a comeback as a major player in global security with his brash military buildup in Syria and an ardent appeal for coordinated action with Western powers to defeat Islamist extremism.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Los Angeles Times: With Syria, Vladimir Putin positions himself on global security stage
A rebel fighter fires heavy artillery during clashes with government forces and pro-regime shabiha militiamen in the outskirts of Syria's northwestern Idlib province on September 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / OMAR HAJ KADHOUR
