Analysis: In the first of a new series, Paul McLoughlin studies how, despite heavy losses, Damascus can still rely on Iran and Russia, who may both gain from the conflict.
Russian military hardware and troops are pouring into Syria, and President Bashar al-Assad is presented with a blessing and a curse.
Increasingly isolated, Assad is in need of international support.
After losses to the Syrian rebels and Islamic State group and a failed conscription drive, Assad is desperate for the men and modern weaponry needed to push the war back from the brink.
But a reliance on Russian backing – along with existing support …read more
Source: Iranian.com
