Why does Russia appear to need Syria so much?
I realize they are close allies, but certainly Russian leaders know that the Syrian regime is likely not going to survive in its current form.
If it matters so much to them, why doesn’t Russia send troops to help quell the rebellion?
Russia has a naval base in Tartus, Syria, letting them keep ships in the Med without having to send them back to the Black Sea. Syria is also a major purchaser of Russian weapons.
They don’t want to send in troops to help the Assad regime because, first, it’s difficult for them to project power there, second, they’re worried about their international reputation, third, their worried about the domestic response, and fourth, because they figure it’s not necessary. Their plan is to keep sending in weapons and aid and let Assad take care of it himself.