This is always a good place to look for answers....http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/syria-america-and-putins-bluff
This is an interesting article, but I think I disagree with it. I think Syria is very important to Russia. Secondly, I think Putin understands Obama better than we do. He is willing to gamble to the death that Obama is a coward and will not attack Syria or anyone. I truly think Putin will attack US warships if Syria is attacked and in fact is bringing armaments in as we speak. I think too that Middle East Gas is important to Putin.
Tha larger question is this? What in the heck are WE doing in Syria? Makes no sense unless you consider the wishes of the Saudis and their influence over Obama.
In every instance Obama is siding with the MB.