Allies for over 50 years? During WWII yes, but; I recall the early 50’s and the cold war and Sputnik very well.
Exactly. That Russians would support Syria should not surprise anyone with a knowledge of history, both recent and earlier.
When an article starts off: “Reports of Russia’s military presence have concerned leaders around the world, and on Saturday media said two Russian planes carrying aid landed in Latakia,” I take it as propaganda. Whose propaganda is unclear. Certainly sounds like it’s from a party that stands to gain from a Great Powers war in Syria or from worldwide fears of such a war. Maybe someone long on oil?
If leaders around the world are truly concerned, then they must be suppressing their intelligence services.