Postscript, 19 October: on his show last night, Vladimir Solovyov decrypted for his audience Vladimir Putin’s announcement at his press conference in Beijing about the Kinzhal-equipped air patrols that Russia now has established over the Black Sea: the intent is a clear warning to Washington that any attack on Syria or Iran from these vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean will result in a Russian attack on the fleet. For those unfamiliar with the technical characteristics of the Kinzhal, suffice it to say that it does have the force to sink an aircraft carrier. Brinksmanship, anyone?