good guys

We often hear the British govement speak about the moderate opposition in Syria what does that actually mean and if the 'moderate ' opposition is fighting alongside ISIS in order to overthrow Assad then it is by definition not moderate .

Syria is a long time ally of Russia their shared interests go back many decades and is Assad's regime any less savoury than the ones supported by the west in the region . War is horrific civil war perhaps even more so. What possible benefit could another player have made other than to escalate an already hideous situation . If the west is serious about destroying ISIS then it cannot support those who seek to co exist with them .