Quite. Russia and Syria will clear up ISIL, and settle some other scores in the process. Putin gets his presence in the region. Meanwhile the west sits by and . . . agrees with it (at least as I deduce from the lack of opposition and indeed the murmers of agreement by a british diplomat on the radio today). Putin is one of the few leaders around today, apparently, who understands the principles of war (Clausewitz). Here are the principles of strategy:
(a) To conquer and destroy the armed power of the enemy; always direct our principal operation against the main body of the enemy army or at least against an important portion of his forces
(b) To take possession of his material and other sources of strength, and to direct our operations against the places where most of these resources are concentrated
(c) To gain public opinion, won through great victories and the occupation of the enemy's capital
use our entire force with the utmost energy
the decisive point of attack
never to waste time
surprise plays a much greater role in tactics than in strategy
pursuit
forces concentrated at the main point
an attack on the lines of communication takes effect only very slowly, while victory on the field of battle bears fruit immediately
In strategy, therefore, the side that is surrounded by the enemy is better off than the side which surrounds its opponent, especially with equal or even weaker forces
To cut the enemy's line of retreat, however, strategic envelopment or a turning movement is very effective
be physically and morally superior
stores of supplies, on whose preservation operations absolutely depend
The provisioning of troops is a necessary condition of warfare and thus has great influence on the operations
independent action
None of the above is being realised by 'the west'.
