John Thompson

John Thompson is a researcher, writer and commentator on defence and security issues.

Vladimir Putin’s support for Assad and Iran is rooted in Russia’s past

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Putin's support for Assad in Syria and Tehran is rooted in the past.

Why does Russian President Vladimir Putin support the Assad regime in Syria with such vigour? Why does Moscow keep close relations with Tehran? The answers to these current questions may lie in Russian history. So, of course, many contemporary Westerners are mystified. One of the major themes in Russian history and the … Read More

President Donald Trump’s practical military debut in Syria

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President Donald Trump was decisive on Syria

Like Monday morning quarterbacks… every pundit (including this author) is an expert on a US President’s use of force within seconds after the rubble stops bouncing. So what are we pundits to make of President Trump’s unleashing of a flurry of Tomahawk cruise missiles on Syria last week? For a start, … Read More

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