No country, save for the USA under Ds,does anything unless it is to their advantage.
Russia and Iran don’t have to prop up anybody but until now they support Assad.
In 1970s Musa Sadr, an Iranian cleric and head of Lebanon’s Shiite community,issued a fatwa declaring Alawites part of Shi’ism. He formally announced the acceptance of Alawites as Shiites, a move that significantly opened the way for the sect’s recognition within the general Shiite community.
To become a head of Syria you must be a Muslim. Alawites are not considered to be Muslims by other Muslims.
This fatwa accepting the Alawites as Muslims helped Assad's father take over the country.
The Alawites are such a heretical Muslim sect it is no wonder the Sunnis want to destroy them.
The Alawites will be celebrating Christmas right along with us Infidels.
The Alawites also have several other un-Islamic beliefs. -Tom