Russia has been sending conflicting signals on its intentions in Syria, where President Bashar Assad, one of the Kremlin's few Middle East allies, has suffered major setbacks on the battlefield in recent weeks and may be at risk of being overrun by Islamic extremists.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Los Angeles Times: Russia’s strategy in Syria? It may be to keep the world guessing
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov looks on as he meets with representatives of the Syrian opposition in Moscow on August 31, 2015.
