Russia 's annexation of Crimea , and feared threat to invade Ukraine , has grabbed attention . Simon Tisdall says Russia , not Crimea , directly threatens western security in more basic ways . And it is fair to say such behavior is unacceptable and illegal , and should not be emulated by others . Much of northern Syria under control of rebel groups , united in opposition to Putin - Tisdall . Syria is in the process of becoming a bridgehead to Europe for al Qaida , he adds .
Russia 's annexation of Crimea , and feared threat to invade Ukraine , has grabbed attention . Simon Tisdall says Russia , not Crimea , directly threatens western security in more basic ways . Much of northern Syria under control of rebel groups , united in opposition to Putin - Tisdall . Syria is in the process of becoming a bridgehead to Europe for al Qaida , he adds .