Paris attacks boost Russia's Syria stance

Significance

The Paris attacks may mark the metamorphosis of Islamic State group (ISG) into a terrorist network with global reach, capable of mobilising local-born radicals in Western Europe to launch mass casualty attacks in urban centres.

Impacts

• With world leaders arriving, December's COP21 climate conference in Paris will become an international expression of solidarity with France.
• European security services will argue successfully for greater powers and resources.
• Paris may face more domestic calls to review its warm relationships with Gulf states, given their role sponsoring radical Islamist groups.
• Previously possible changes to France's defence and foreign ministers in coming months may now be in doubt.
• Muslim and refugee sites across Europe will be at risk of reprisal attacks.