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.