You are 100% correct in that the Iran has been behind and involved in Syria and Lebanon and Hamas for that matter for as long as the Mullahs have been in power. You are also correct that the regime has been backed by Soviet and now Russian money and arms.
If what is coming down the road is any better I will be quite surprised and in my opinion, for what it’s worth, it will probably end up being a lot worse. What is coming is just another sort of Socialism - in some ways a worse one as it is religiously enforcable under Sharia.
Forces are still struggling in Egypt to bring about a true Democratic process - under Obama’s mate Morsi that is not going to happen. Radical Islamists are already in charge in Lybia. I don’t foresee a change for the better in Syria.
So not wanting to see a change in government in Syria (at this time) is cautious not Pro Russia etc.
Mel
Syria is a doomed country. They will have Sharia law and return to the 10th century.