"Russia isn't supporting terrorism, far from it. It's all business. Syria is a valued and lucrative client who buys things with cash. That's all it is. Russia is assuming that Syrian terrorists won't target Russian interests. They could be wrong."
Yes, good point. We in the US supported Bin-Laden in Afghanistan against the Russians in the 80's. Look how well that worked out for us. Same thing with Saddam in the early 80's against Iran. To me, Russia has a lot more to lose long-term by making buddy buddy with China and helping arm them. For now, the Russians are cash-hungry and sell to anyone.
"To me, Russia has a lot more to lose long-term by making buddy buddy with China and helping arm them."
The real issue is will china risk a war with a nuclear power over the 'nothern resource area,' given that so far their leadership has demonstrated a clear appreciation of MAD.
If you assume they won't, then russia shud be selling as much as they can to them, and getting as much penetration into what will become the greatest market in the world.