Russia is really upset, because the Israelis nailed a convoy carrying Russian SA-17 “Grizzly” advanced surface to air missiles they were selling to either Syria or Hezbollah. I would hazard to guess that those missiles were COD, and the Russians hadn’t been paid yet. They go for about $70m a battery, so the Russians were set back some big bucks.
Terrorist organizations should not have these. I hope Russian advisers were killed.
I would guess you're right, one of Russia's largest economic ventures is arms sales.
"Arab spring democracy" will upset that apple cart.
Syria is losing control of the security of weapons depots in Syria that store Hezbollah weapons, so they are trying to move 'em to Lebanon to keep 'em out of the hands of the rebels, Russia agrees, Israel is endangered either way, so they act.
Not only that, but Syria has the S-300P (SA-10 Grumble), and Israelis have beat it twice. Not good for future sales pitches...