Exposed: The Obama Invasion of Syria

[Something completely different]

But Russia just defused the US military intervention in Syria. Proving itself as a real friend to its allies, which should please its other allies. How is this anything but a "win" for Russia??? I don't follow.

It is a loss domesticaly. Russian state media, Russian political campains and every single action undertaken by representatives of the united Russia party that concerns foreign countries constantly circles arround threats and hate tirades against foreigners. Be it the US, Poland or Nato. To not negotiate with anyone and to not get involved into any talks with any foreign power was more than just a policy in Russia but a question of image.
Trust me on this, hardly a country in the world has become that xenophobic as Russia, partly through Putin and partly through the resurgance of orthodox christian conservatism. To talk with foreigners, especialy westerners and to make them the offer of weakening a ally, will not come down well on the vast majority of the Russian population.
What would have served the Russian goverment best would have been a total Western retreat out of the matter, leaving Assad to do whatever he wants, with what he wants and with whatever help he gets from whom. In short, macho non compromise.