The Economist had a good article about the reasons for Russia to support Assad [1]. I know that it doesn&#x27;t directly answer your question, but I hope it helps.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.economist.com&#x2F;blogs&#x2F;economist-explains&#x2F;2015&#x2F;09&#x2F;economist-explains-22" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.economist.com&#x2F;blogs&#x2F;economist-explains&#x2F;2015&#x2F;09&#x2F;ec...</a>