Analyst : Russian president `` has nothing to lose , and he has something to gain '' Along with China , Russia -- a long-time ally of al-Assad -- has vetoed recent United Nations resolutions to condemn al-Assad and his government 's crackdown on anti-government protests . Annan was likely a key factor in the response to Annan 's proposal , analysts say . Syrian officials likely encouraged Russia to sign on to the police plan . Timing 's plan does not require Bashar al-Assad to leave office .
Analyst : Russian president `` has nothing to lose , and he has something to gain '' Annan was likely a key factor in the response to Annan 's proposal , analysts say . Syrian officials likely encouraged Russia to sign on to the police plan . Timing 's plan does not require Bashar al-Assad to leave office .