But, I see nothing in this article that I would question concerning the makeup of the Syrian Army. I think I read somewhere of some other elements than those mentioned. Afghans and Paks are certainly there. Iran and it's terrorist surrogates are certainly there in huge numbers. 80% is credible from what I have heard.
There is an issue as far as the Allawites are concerned. They were 10% of the population, the casualties among them have been large. They must be hurting on educated support elements. That is as important as the grunts. (cannon fodder doesn't win wars)
I read yesterday that Turkey had their panties tied up in knots over a path opening into Efrin from the South might be resupply and troop movement. Which they said they “could not allow”. smile.
Kurds lives are shaped by being mountain people. They are tough, resourceful, largely self sufficient, and cohesive. I admire how they stepped in and increased food production during the middle of the war allowing for refugees to be fed. It would have been a total humanitarian disaster if they had not. Efrin was one of the major production areas. So was Kobani.
If Assad is smart, he will allow Kurds to be pretty independent and leave them alone. So far I don't see that. If he does not, he will be hit again badly by Turks, that war is not over yet.
Assad has an agreement with the Kurds. Basically he lets them keep Rojava while he concentrates on main Syria - the coastal and city region from Damascus to Aleppo. He will destroy the jihadis in the north and west and leave the desert areas to the east of Palmyra to the Sunnis.