Satellite photographs picked up a curious development in Syria this week: the appearance of a new glut of temporary housing in an airfield near Latakia, the coastal stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect. Their appearance comes on the heels of reports Russia is sending an advanced military team of trainers and other support personnel, installing a temporary air traffic control station, and filing military overflight requests with surrounding countries. All are clear indications that the Russian government is increasing its support of the beleaguered Assad regime. How far this new pledge goes is still unknown – Damascus and Moscow have remained silent on that, preferring to emphasize the strength of their alliance rather than provide any details on the evolving situation.