Suddenly Assad doesn't look so bad
In Sept 2013, the US came close to launching air strikes against Assad and supporting rebels. Now European countries are planning to help in destroy ISIS.
Syria has long been an ally of Russia and it's one of the few warm water ports for the Russian navy.
In late 2013, the regime looked to be on its last legs with Putin set to lose one of his few strategic allies. The US accused Assad of using chemical weapons and was poised to strike.
At the last moment, Putin brokered a deal to relinquish its chemical weapons.
That gave them time and in that time ISIS transformed from a fringe group to the world's most reviled organization.
As the battles continued, Russia supported Assad and ISIS gained strength. In the middle, it created a refuge crisis that's hitting European shores now.
Today, French President Francois Hollande once again began talking about air strikes in Syria but this time it's not to target Assad but his enemies in ISIS. Leaders are becoming desperate to stop the tide of refugees and suddenly the stability Assad could provide is an appetizing idea.
Meanwhile, Russia can now back Syria with impunity. There are reports that Russian flown aircraft are in the skies and soldiers on the ground. At this point Even if Putin staged a full-scale ground war in support of Assad, NATO would probably be unwilling to stop him.
At the end of it all, Putin will have a larger military presence in Syria than ever and is able to sell billions in weapons to Assad.
