Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow, his first visit since Assad’s fall ten months ago. Sharaa pledged to uphold past deals as Damascus seeks to redefine its ties with Moscow, a longtime military and economic ally that once backed Assad through Syria’s war. | The New Arab

Russia is escalating the Syrian civil war beyond any level anticipated by either President Obama or the Pentagon.Vladmir Putin has ordered more Russian ground forces into Syria, they include thousands of elite troops, including elements of the special operations forces known as Spetsnaz. There can be no question that Putin means to establish a significant military presence in Syria, with which he will possess a strategic influence through out the region. For the latest join me tonight at 11 pm E