Russia's Mil. Buildup in Syria Is 1st Since WW II; Critics See It as Major Blunder by Obama Admin.

Since World War II, a major U.S. strategic objective has been to keep the Russian military out of the Middle East. But now the Russians are moving into Syria, the Christian Broadcast Network website reports today (September 15, 2015).

With an old ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on the ropes in his fight against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and other rebel groups, the Russian military is building a strong military presence near the Syrian naval port of Latakia, an airbase protected by tanks and heavy armor.

U.S. officials say Russia is building a forward operating base that will host Russian combat aircraft and housing for as many as 1,500 Russian military personnel -- advisers, instructors, logistics personnel, technical personnel, and pilots -- along with the sophisticated weapons systems.

Unidentified Pentagon officials have said that Russia has already sent artillery and seven T-90 tanks to the Syrian airfield near Latakia. Critics call Russia's military buildup in Syria another major strategic blunder by the Obama administration, as Russia tends to view President Obama as a "pushover."