The news this week has been dominated by Russia’s escalating intervention in Syria, beginning with airstrikes on the 30th of September. Reversing the trend of President Assad’s declining fortunes, the operations have heightened tensions with NATO, especially since Russian aircraft flew over Turkish airspace on Saturday, and NATO has since doubled the size of its Response Force to 40,000. However, Putin maintains that his actions are supporting the only credible opposition to the growing threat of Islamic extremism in the Middle East.

Has Russia, with its already burdened economy, bitten off more than it can chew? Does Putin have an end-game in sight, and can he reconcile it with the goals of the West? Whatever your view, send it in - via Twitter, Facebook or our website. The contributors best insights will be invited to explore their views further for our journal Sir!