Putin has vital interest to keep Syria under his control. He wants to prevent the Arabian pipeline to Europe, because he has to sell his own oil and gas to Europe - it's essential for the Russian survival.
So he gave Assad the following choice: do what I expect you to do - give up your selfdefense (chemical weapons) and slip under my protection - or face the western attack and get killed. Asad had no choice but to accept Putins protection. Putin is in control over Syria and the Arabians will not build their pipeline.
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