Russia has already assured access through Iraqi air space for its own air force. However, the real question is whether Moscow will stay neutral in the upcoming Northern War between Israel and the Iranian Axis? One would think that Putin would be smart enough not to go to war against Israel, considering his present experience in Ukraine, however Russia has heavily betted on the survival of the Baathist regime and the question is therefore how much Moscow is prepared to invest in its survival? Another question relates to whether Washington will deploy the USAF on Israel’s side in the Northern War in order to shorten that war. Arguably if the US does, then that will contribute significantly to keeping Moscow outside the war.