observed a gathering
of senior Russian generals at the military base.Ahrar al-Sham
claims that dozens of Russian generals were killed and injured in the
explosion. According to the movement, the announcement of the terror
attack was delayed until Wednesday to ensure that the jihadists who
committed the attack returned safely to opposition territories.

The
military base that was hit by the car bomb is considered one of the
most important military centers of the Russian forces on the Syrian
coast, located some 15 kilometers from Latakia.

The belated
announcement of the car bombing came shortly before the Syrian truce was
scheduled to start on Saturday. Russia and the US have already
announced that the ceasefire will not apply to ISIS and al-Nusra Front,
but in light of this terror attack, Russia might demand the exclusion of
Ahrar al-Sham as well.

To summarize- The NATOafter Russian soldiers or destroy Russian airplanes
could mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict.

A less divisive
option with wide support among Mr. Obama’s advisers would impose new
economic sanctions against Russia. But senior administration officials
said they doubt European powers would go along with such an effort at
this time given the importance they place on trade ties with Moscow.

This month’s drawn-out State Department-led negotiations with Moscow
over a cease-fire agreement in Syria exposed a growing rift within the
Obama administration over how tough to be with Russia.

Mr. Carter
has voiced public support for the negotiations launched by Secretary of
State John Kerry. But while the talks were under way last week, Messrs.
Carter and Brennan, and Gen. Dunford, warned the White House the
continued negotiations risked undermining Washington’s standing with key
partners in the region who are part