Russia, unlike the USofObama, will do what is best in its national interests, especially under Putin.
The way things are stacked internationally now with the US being a major debtor nation; dumbed down working force; racial divide; and over used military we are in no position to dictate policy to anyone beyond some western european social republics and the like. Obama making threats is like the guy across the table in five card stud raising your single suit to the ace king while holding nothing higher than a 9, goading you to call.
The Russians aren’t going to give up their naval base without a fight which is in Alewite (however you spell it) territory. When the French had control over Syria that area wanted to be an independent country and it may wind up being that way . The question is can Russia control the forces there. There’s no love lost between Iran and Russia. With Russia siding with the Greeks on Cyprus don’t make the Turks none too happy. What amazes me in this day and age of anti-theism is this religious war within Islam thats gone on for centuries. Place is a powderkeg. Palin’s quip “let Allah decide” may not be the answer we want either.