Iraq open to Russian requests for reconnaissance flights

Though Russia has long exercised considerable influence in Syria through its material and political support for Mr. Assad, it has yet to involve itself in neighboring Iraq. Sunday’s four-way intelligence pact and the potential for Russian reconnaissance flights could see the U.S. sharing Iraq’s battle space with its former Cold War rival.

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Russia’s ministry of defense didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

The Kremlin maintains that its military presence in Syria supports the delivery of military hardware to the government of Mr. President Assad. Russian officials say “specialists” are on the ground to help train and equip the president’s forces.

“We’re doing this in the framework of absolutely legal international contracts,” said Mr. Putin, according to an excerpt of an interview with U.S. broadcaster Charlie Rose released by the Kremlin on Sunday.

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