Tim Marshall on Russian politics and Vladimir Putin
Commentator Tim Marshall wrestles with the issue of Russian politics as he looks at Vladimir Putin's political games.
In a personal film for This Week, he said the Russian leader's actions meant the nation had re-established itself as a player in the Middle East.
From a judo centre, he said: "Putin did not rush blindly into Syria biting off more than he could chew. And the Bear is not about to rush off home without making sure its cubs are safe."