THE RIGHT ALWAYS PERCEIVES DESPERATION AS STRENGTH:

Some argue that Putin's Syria gambit is part of a grand scheme to rebuild Russia's global status. The Kremlin's moves, however, are better understood as a desperate, risk-laden attempt to shore up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad because his country is one of the few left in the Middle East over which Russia still holds significant influence and where Moscow has long had a military presence.

In fact, the Kremlin truly believes that Washington organized and financed the entire Arab Spring -- as well as a string of other "colored revolutions" -- that toppled authoritarian leaders along Russia's borders.

If Assad falls, Moscow would likely soon lose its naval base in Syria -- its only one in the Mediterranean. It might also possibly lose whatever other military or intelligence assets it has in the country.

Follow @brothersjudd