In other words, a simple zero sum game where one national society (and their allies) defeats another in order to enjoy the spoils of economic control.
In order for the mass of liberal freaks in the USA to continue their respite in la-la land, the reserve currency must preserved at all cost. The fact that some don't understand this dynamic shouldn't cause despair, but rather pleasure in the information advantage.
So, yes, losing Syria will be recorded as a major strategic loss for the USA. We've got to somehow defeat the Russians in a limited battle of technology, otherwise the next target is a Shia led insurgency in SA.
If we can't limit a conflict with Russia, or we cannot defeat them in a technological contest, then it's lights out for the USA. No petro-dollar, no printing; no printing, no social spending; no social spending, Katie bar the door.
You make a strong (and decidedly chilling) assessment.