The Dawn of the Space Race

Sputnik 1

On October 4, 1957 the Soviet Union successfully launched the first unmanned satellite in the history of space exploration. Sputnik's launch shocked many around the globe, especially America who saw themselves as technologically superior to the Soviet Union. With this event, the Soviet union was able to get the upper hand in their arms race with the United States. Sputnik proved outer space is  reachable by humans. 

The embarrassment of the United States after Sputnik galvanized them to launch their own artificial satellite, the Explorer I, on January 31, 1958. The ensuing space race would be one the highest period of scientific research and discovery

Russian Forces in Syria

Last week, there were reports of Russian troops in Syria. Not only are Russian soldiers on the ground, but there has also been reports accompanying air support and armor.  Putin's show of support to Syrian president Assad in combating the threat of the Islamic State, indicates that he sees the radical extremist as a threat to Russia's security. This new development has added more complications in the already troubled region. There is now a risk of Russian forces accidentally coming into conflict with existing U.S. efforts. While this risk remains a distinct possibility, I believe that facing a common enemy may help improve Russian and U.S. relations. 

 Courtesy of Yahoo news

http://www.forbes.com/sites/melikkaylan/2015/09/11/whats-all-this-about-russian-forces-going-to-syria/

http://news.yahoo.com/russia-moves-syria-boost-assad-send-signal-west-001400613.html