Iranian media reports battle deaths in Syria
Iran has generally downplayed mention of its military presence in Syria, until recently. Now the casualties are acknowledged and even presented as heroic. Like Russia. Iran is using military actions abroad to win domestic support.m Others states do it as well.
Reports state that at least 67 Iranians have been killed in Syria in the last two months. That strongly suggests that Iran has regular troops fighting in Syria, not just advisers and trainers.
US pressures Turkey on Syrian border
The US sees soft border security as helping ISIL recruits enter Syria. Further, ISIL oil finds welcome buyers inside Turkey. Turkey sees ISIL as a common foe of Syrian and Turkish Kurds and has until recently looked the other way rather than halt the help ISIL gets across the border.
Israel signals Russia over Syria
Israeli airstrikes on Hisbollah, an ally of the Syrian government, will continue, despite Russia’s recent intervention in support of the Syrian government. Russia and Israel may find common ground in supporting a truncated Shia region.