Putin raises stakes on Syria - says Russia will help defend country

Following a supposedly "warm" 20-30 minute conversation this morning with President Obama, Russian President Putin has rattled the sabre one more time:

• PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA TO ASSIST SYRIA IN CASE OF EXTERNAL ATTACK

This will not end well... and of course will raise more doubts among Congress that this 'strike' makes sense. Equity markets are not amused...