Some random thoughts.
The Syrians launched 25 sorties and only killed 26 people? At thousands of dollars per hour to operate, not including ammunition expended, that’s a terrible return on investment.
The big losers here, across the board, are the Saudis, who financed the initial revolution and invested heavily. They expected to get a pipeline to the Mediterranean so they could do an end-around the Iranian blockade that is sure to happen when Iran gets the bomb. Any peace under the current circumstances of Russia and Iran running the show will prevent a pipeline deal. The Saudis must be stewing about this.
Without Russian help Assad can’t be made to surrender or negotiate. The Russians have too much to lose to help achieve American goals. What is their incentive?
No side can afford to negotiate a deal that leaves the other side in power. If they do, they are begging to be exterminated the moment they lay down their arms. Any thought of negotiation by any party is idiocy.
RE: The Syrians launched 25 sorties and only killed 26 people
Were these 26 ISIS fighters or civilians?
What about weapons, equipment and other military infrastructure? Were they destroyed?