Is Putin's "muscle flexing" in the Middle East a threat to U.S. National security?

I believe it is a sign of weakness. But the opposite could also be as serious as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Great question. I'm not sure...Putin loves the spotlight and loves proving he's tough, but he's slowly driving his nation's economy into the crapper. He's just beginning to see how expensive it is to play the away game. The danger is, if the Russian people start to hate him for the deepening recession, he might try to regain their love through a common enemy and war.

COL Sam Russell

Sir,
I agree. Russia's involvement in Syria has been detrimental in the region. Russian involvement (airstrikes) have not changed the game on the ground. Supporting the Assad Regime has caused a large number of individuals who would have remained uncommitted to either side to choose a side. Instead of being against ISIS they are joining the Free Syria Army in mass. It has caused a change in the tactics of terrorist driving them deeper into seclusion and hiding among the population. In addition there is now the smoldering incident of Turkey downing a Russian jet and Russia threatening to withdraw support of the "American led coalition" if another jet is shot down. It has led to Russia spreading propaganda about and mocking Turkey, in the region. These responses only make Mr. Erdogan a stronger voice for and in the Sunni muslim in the area and world. It strengthens this alliance in a way we would have hoped to avoid.

The focus is shifting away from ISIS and is turning to the disagreements of the strongest powers in the world.