SO.. ARE THE RUSSIANS REALLY PULLING OUT?

Well, all the buzz today was the story of the Russian pulling citizens out of Syria through Lebanon and the Russians categorically denying they were doing so!

Ok, what is really going on?

First off, lets look at who is leaving?

Is it just one group or Russian citizens in general?

If we follow that thought chain, the next question becomes, " why now"?

Are the Russian really anticipating the fall of Assad?

Russia, like most governments, will surly have contingency plans for getting their people out of Syria and perhaps this is truly the fist wave based on the highest threat category.

If there is a sense of urgency with the Russians,  then why?

The common statement is they realize Assad is losing power and doing so quickly.

Well....maybe!!!

One way or another the Russian must think things are about to get worse and so some phase of evacuation has been approved.

Now, reports state there up to 30k Russians in Syria; a number I find incredible unless you look at the weather of Russia and realize how many folks may have moved to Syria just to avoid the Russian winters.

One thing is for sure; the concept of moving everyone one out by airlift from Lebanon is not going to work for 30K people.

My bet is the Russians are not even close to giving up on Assad given the obvious reluctance of the rest of the world to give little more than lip service to the Rebels.

Yes, some are doing more than that, but none are accomplishing the level of support Iran and Russia continue to send.

If Russia decides to really get their citizens out of Syria, you will see far more than two aircraft landing in Lebanon!!!!!

What are they doing?

Well.. we will have to wait to see!!!!

Russia does nothing without the Tsar's approval!!!

\http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jan-23/203418-russian-evacuation-signals-doubts-about-assad-expe.ashx#axzz2IkoP6Erf