Assad’s regime seemingly came out of nowhere, and as Aleppo fell to Turkish-backed rebels in a matter of days, the Syrian president reportedly flew to Moscow.

Opposition 'took a look at three actors who had been pummeling them for years: Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. They had seen them weaker and more exposed than before,' says National Security Adviser Sull

Iran has thrown its support behind Syria's government after thousands of insurgents took control of the country's largest city of Aleppo.