Russian and American military officials are set to meet as the West digests President Vladimir Putin’s escalation of the conflict in Syria through Russian air strikes, a second wave of which was launched on Thursday morning.

The BBC‘s Jon Sopel writes on how Russia “blindsided” the US. “There should be no surprises about what the Russians have done,” he writes.

The target of Russian ordnance has been in places where IS has no presence.

In other words, other rebel groups – any rebel groups – opposed to President Assad are being targeted. And that raises another huge question. What if the Russians start hitting US backed and armed rebel groups? That is not going to end well.

And who knows how many US special forces there might be on the ground helping those rebel groups? What if they find themselves coming under fire – do they call in US close air support to see off their Russian attackers?

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WORLD

The US Congress prevented a government shutdown by kicking the funding can down the road for a couple of months.

Meanwhile, Democrats are angry after an apparent “admission” regarding the agenda for the House committee investigating Benghazi.

So, er, what gives, your Holiness?

Meanwhile, Hurricane Joaquin approaches, and appears to be rapidly intensifying…

Britain today made it illegal to smoke in a car where children are passengers.

Do you ever describe your home town as “a bit of a hole, actually..”?

Well, if you live in St Albans, you’re right.

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SPORTS

It was a better night in the Champions League for English teams as both Manchester clubs won 2-1 to stay in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages.

(Daily Express/Tomorrow’s Papers Today)

In Rugby World Cup action on Thursday, Wales – buoyed by their dramatic victory over England at the weekend – play Fiji with a chance to take a significant step towards the next round.

But if you’re in Cardiff and were planning to take a bus to the match, better think again…