This could spin out of control really fast. I don’t think the Russians want a war—Syria might use it to get a sort of internal peace. If War starts Russia may well sit in their port and defend it—all the while making a deal with the Rebels to help them when they win. A few thousand Turks, and a few warships and Syria would fall like a house of cards—a blitz on Damascus and it would be over in a few weeks if not days. With Syria out Lebanon will be weakened. This will hurt Iran. In the End Russia is in a position to gain new friends in the New Syria (a client state of Turkey)and gain new friends in Egypt. Its a chess game for the Russkies.