From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

The U.S. and Russia, frenemies in the Middle East.

Hello again, I'm Arnalny, and this is To the Point.

The U.S. and Russia both claim to be fighting ISIS militants in Syria, but their ultimate

goals are hardly the same. Russia supports the Assad regime while the U.S. is backing rebels

in Syria's civil war. The U.S. views Iran as a hostile power, while Russia calls it a partner.

As they try to avoid major conflict, tensions grow hot and cold, heating up recently with airstrikes against controversial targets.

Meantime, the Trump White House is divided over what the Pentagon ought to do.

We'll update the politics, the diplomacy, and the military options.

On our talking point later, digital currencies, a boom or a bubble.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Mormon-Aulny, back with To The Point.

Recent strikes against Iranian-backed troops and the downing of a Syrian fighter plane have Russia accusing the U.S. of complicity in terrorism.

It's threatening to make targets of planes and drones flown too far into its comfort zone by the Western Coalition. We'll update divisions in the Trump administration over what to do next in the

Middle East. Today's talking point, Bitcoins and other digital currencies cut out the middleman. Banks

aren't needed and instant exchanges create the prospect of a new financial world order.

Recently, though, investors have driven the value of digital currency so high there's worry

about a bubble.

Who would the losers be?

...