Russia admits targeting non-Isis groups in Syria as airstrikes continue

[karynnj]

23. One of the first US strikes were against the same people in that same area

From wikipedia:

On September 22, 2014, the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates began to strike targets of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) inside Syria,[12][79] which included the Khorasan group in the Idlib Governorate to the west of Aleppo, and the al-Nusra Front around Ar-Raqqah,[18][80] as part of the Military intervention against ISIL.

If you remember, there were tons of questions back then as to why this group was attacked and why no one had ever heard the name Khorsan before. It was explained as a virulent AQ group. In a more detailed article, the Washington Post explained more about them and where there name comes from. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/09/25/the-strange-story-behind-the-khorasan-groups-name/ Look at the map included -- and it becomes clear why - just as we did - the Russians attacked them.

This also suggests that the Russian involvement is not motivated just on power politics to make Putin look big, support of Assad, or even support for the Russian bases. These terrorists AND ISIS are at least as big a threat to to Russia as to the US. (Other accounts suggest that there are Chechens have joined with Al Nusra - if true, it is no surprise that they would be target number 1.

Here is an interesting article - likely too optimistic - as Tom Friedman always is - that does go further than the more fact basted, diplomatic comments of John Kerry that there could be a point where Russia helps with getting a transition government. (Obviously that could happen only if it was in their interest - or perception of their interest.) http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/30/opinion/thomas-friedman-syria-obama-and-putin.html?_r=0

Likely too optimistic, while in one instance disgusting. Both John Kerry and President Obama are better than allowing Putin to stew for a few months (while thousands die) after he sees the need to help on a transition.