Morning Brief: October 15

The presidency of Russia's Vladimir Putin has been defined by his aggressive foreign policy decisions. Two weeks of air and missile strikes are continuing this trend, sending a message to the West that Russia wants to take on a much larger role in international politics than the one it has had since the fall of the Soviet Union. Some say Syria is a testing ground for Russia to assert this new role. The strikes have involved aircrafts never before tested in combat, some say they surpass American capabilities.  

Need To Know

Russia Uses Syria to Show Off its Might [NY Times]

Major Gun Trafficking Bust in NYC [ABC]

U.S. Troops May Stay in Afghanistan [CBS]

Celebrity Basketball Player Suffers Drug Related Brain Injuries [NBC]

Weather

Today will be sunny and cooler, 65/53 [Full Forecast]