And as they've patched up their differences, the burning question leading up to this game: might the Russian president make another appearance — this time in person. For Putin, watching remotely has been a consistent strategy in the region, one that is now paying off. Manoeuvring from MoscowIn terms of influence in the Mideast, it's been a Putin kind of year. Russian President Vladimir Putin , right, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan enter a hall during their meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, Aug. 9, 2016. But while Washington prepares for the changing of the guard, Putin continues to watch, remotely, playing the long game.

Source: CBC News August 31, 2016 09:00 UTC