Stabilising Syria by preserving or installing a pro-Russian government is not the endgame for Russia in the Middle East. Rather it is part of a long-held strategy to expand influence across the region so as to secure leverage against all Middle Eastern players, reminding them that Moscow can cause them problems if they obstruct Russian objectives. For example, Moscow's influence over the Iraqi Kurds has increased via deals such as Rosneft's purchase of crude oil from them; the Kurds being useful in putting pressure on Baghdad or Iran. Ankara is the main focus of Russian policy, which is being assisted by the absence of coherent western or US policy.
Stabilising Syria by preserving or installing a pro-Russian government is not the endgame for Russia in the Middle East. Rather it is part of a long-held strategy to expand influence across the region so as to secure leverage against all Middle Eastern players, reminding them that Moscow can cause them problems if they obstruct Russian objectives. For example, Moscow's influence over the Iraqi Kurds has increased via deals such as Rosneft's purchase of crude oil from them; the Kurds being useful in putting pressure on Baghdad or Ankara. Iran is the main focus of Russian policy, which is being assisted by the absence of coherent western or US policy.