Moscow isn’t ready to pull the plug on its support for Syria, but is definitely backing away, with Russia’s deputy foreign minister saying Assad is losing control and may be overthrown by the rebels. The staunch support of Russia has been a lifeline the Assad regime. Without it, and with more high-level defections, the end seems to be drawing near. But what will come after? Russia is warning that the fighting may not end with Assad’s ouster, something the West has not even considered.
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