Balance of Power: Putin Reaches for Prize with Syrian Victory
Pressure on SPD May Lead to New Grand Coalition
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The last time Bashar al-Assad went to Russia, U.S.-backed rebels had the Syrian president on the run. Fast forward two years and it was a confident, smiling Assad who made a surprise visit yesterday to thank President Vladimir Putin for the air campaign that saved him.
With Islamic State's forces largely routed, Putin is now in the driver's seat to set the terms of the peace.