“aligning with Russia could prove destructive for Western liberal democracy”

No, following the Neo-Cons – the relatively small band of violent far-right extremists behind most of the senseless and criminal death & destruction of the 21st century thus far, who’ve already proven toxic to such a concept -into another avoidable conflict with Russia will achieve that goal, and has already empowered and emboldened the far-right.

“despite citing the eradication of the Islamic State as a major policy goal, may also be prepared to fight in Israel’s corner to contain Iran”

Yes, and it’s hilarious that people are freaking out about as-of-yet unsupported accusations about Russian influence, but if you raise the issue of Israeli influence, they lose their minds, even though there is plenty of evidence proving the Israeli far-right and its powerful Lobby has far too much influence over US policy.