The Iranians suckered the Syrian dynasty, and now they are paying the price. The difference between the Asad dynasty and other Muzzie despotates is its complete indifference to what any nation or alleged journalist has to say about it — and both the media shills and any archaeologist wishing to work in that hell-hole of a country pipe down at the first dirty look from the big boss.
However, now they have no one to help them. They’ve been at odds (sorry) with the Turks for decades, have been behind untold misery in post-Saddam Iraq, backed the US in the Gulf War against Saddam’s Iraq, supported Iran in the Iran-Iraq war, supported the attempt by Arafat to overthrow the Hashemite dynasty in Jordan (sent tanks over the border, Israel scrambled planes and buzzed ‘em, and they turned tail), invaded and occupied (and looted) Lebanon after the PLO started the civil war there and the Iranian proxies flooded in, and has fought a few short wars with Israel, and has no diplomatic relationship with or recognition of Israel. Its only other neighbor is Cyprus, which is divided, and Syria’s shifted its position away from Greek Cyprus (a little bit) and toward the TRNC.
The Kurds are the only other neighbors, and Syria’s been just as ruthless against them as any of the other foreign occupiers of Kurdistan.
You mean Asad (Syria)? I'd say the same goes for the Muzzie despots in Iran. Tho, IRI is much more savvy in manipulating western or domestic media, and has the means to do so. Besides, IRI continues to have its tentacles over in many countries, at different levels & in many different areas, outside of the ME/N.Africa region. So, I'd say Syrian despots, compared to IRI, are small fish. Would even confidently suggest that, compared to most other ME/N.African countries, IRI has more sophisticated capability in intelligence gathering, infiltration & influence on a global level.
I agree w/ your second & third paragraph. Particularly regarding their dislike of Saddam's "Baathist" regime, hence their support for Iran during Iraq-Iran war, as well as backing the US in the Gulf War against Saddam. Their dislike of the Kurds matches that of IRI. Syrian & IRI interests have often distinct & unique, tho at times have overlapped. That's why I previously mentioned "alliance of convenience w/ IRI" (which really isn't unusual in politics).
My question: Is IRI & IRGC not helping Bashar Asad & his gov't to deal w/ protesters in Syria ? Related FR thread