Russia's silent nod to withdrawal from Ukraine, can only be the painful submission of a haughty wrestler after dozens of unsuccessful bids to win. The only face-saver in this context, is that it was given cover of the US-Iran deadly war, to quickly cut its wartime losses, and somehow make a case for pull back. The US however lacks this option. Iran has been a failure of its grandeur, especially after years of chiding its own allies on their lack of military spend. US has proven, that in spite of a large military with advanced technology, its never a 'easy win' in the 21st century. US war exploits since Vietnam, have drawn more and more and more unpopularity, but like a rusty army unwilling to relinquish its chainmail armors, the US army keep walking into the same track over and over again. Much detailed analysis has been made on how Iran had prepared itself for this war for decades now, and what US has proven to itself is that Middle east is no Venezuela.
To look back at the last few US exploits; the Iraq war saw a comprehensive regime change (perhaps that was the first goal-post in the Iran expedition), the Taliban war was a temporary reversal of regime (could have been the desperate second goal-post). But the Iran war was a resilient blow back to the US plan. More so, it was a eye-opener for its Arab allies. UAE quickly realizing its has become a vassal of the US military arm, and saw its future in accepting itself as one (even when it meant giving up its sat at the OPEC). The states of Kuwait and Bahrain are yet to take such a decisive step, but the Iran conflict has pushed them much closer to the decision door.
To look back at the last few US exploits; the Iraq war saw a comprehensive regime change (perhaps that was the first goal-post in the Iran expedition), the Taliban war was a temporary reversal of regime (could have been the desperate second goal-post). But the Iran war was a resilient blow back to the US plan. More so, it was a eye-opener for its Arab allies. UAE quickly realizing its has become a vassal of the US military arm, and saw its future in accepting itself as one (even when it meant giving up its sat at the OPEC). The states of Kuwait and Bahrain are yet to take such a decisive step, but the Iran conflict has pushed them much closer to the decision door.
Russia's story however, is one of muddled success. It has seen a few attempts work out, in Chechnya, Crimea and Georgia. In fact, Russia was push its way over the last Ukrainian govt, when it resisted Moscow's might. Working in the west European backyard with a silhouette of the erstwhile USSR, gives Russia the might which US lacks in the Middle est. But Zelensky's defiance might have changed the game for once and all. Russia will re-think before it wages another of such deadly territorial grabs, licking its wounds of the Ukrainian operation over and over again.
Finally, the other goliath in he making, China. While its economic run has given China the might to grab pieces on the geopolitical chessboard, it shudders before every move. The Hong Kong lesson has taught it to be steady, It knows that repeating a Tibet with Taiwan, will not be excused in the similar manner. China has found the world getting increasingly hostile in accommodating another bully in the street, and for the time being, it must satiate itself with the title of military super-power of the future.