This comment discusses what’s next for Syria after Russia's intervention in its civil/proxy war. More specifically, the author describes 1) the long-standing links between Russia and Syria’s Alawite rulers; 2) how Moscow’s intervention helped keep the ruling regime at least in partial power; 3) how the prospect of a jihadist-dominated Syria forced rebel-backing countries to work with Moscow; 4) how the US’ proxies angered other rebel groups and Turkey; and 5) why Ankara is ultimately betting on the wrong horses in the conflict.