Fars News, a subset of the Iranian revolutionary guard corps, is crowing about the impending Syrian-Russian-Iranian axis assault on Idlib governate in Syria.

While Fars News is only occasionally reliable, in this case, it is telling the truth. Axis ground and air forces have moved into position to smash their way into Idlib and pacify the province under Syrian President Bashar Assad’s dictatorial banner. It will be very bloody. Yet, it will also be in an exercise in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s skilled manipulation.