Linda - Syria, during my entire life, has been closely allied with the USSR and then Russia. They (Russia) have been there continuously since at least the 60's. No - Hussein.Ø wanted Assad out to make room for ISIS/AL QUEDA/MUSLIM EXTREMISTS.
Hussein.Ø was all about advancing the 'caliphate' and his entire administration was devoted to an unbelievable level of treason from the highest office.
Ousting Assad never had a thing to do with 'limiting the Russians'. If that were the case, how does one explain his treasonous 'deal' with Iran ?
Nope - ousting Assad had everything to do with advancing the caliphate.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good ...