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The latest Strategic Comment from the International Institute for Strategic Studies examines how Russia's approach towards the crisis in has attracted much criticism in Western and some Arab capitals.

Moscow has supported a UN-led process to establish a political solution in , and has periodically received representatives of Syria's opposition movement over the last 18 months, but it has refused to back any UN Security Council resolution threatening sanctions or military force against the Syrian government.

It has also refused to back any demand that President Bashar al-Assad step down as a precondition for talks.

However, statements that is simply 'protecting its ally' or 'protecting its arms market' are unwarranted. Its stance on Syria is informed by a number of considerations and interests, at both an international and a regional level, as well as in itself.

Click HERE to read the latest IISS Strategic Comment on their website