The Syrian conflict: Russia vs the West?

Key players involved in finding a solution to Syria's crisis discuss Russian air strikes and Assad's future in Syria


After four-and-a-half years of deadly conflict and many failed Western-backed efforts to remove the Assad regime from power, millions of people are fleeing the violence in Syria.


And just as world leaders were assembling at the United Nations last week, the battleground in the Middle East shifted - suddenly and deliberately.

In a dramatic move, Russia increased its military presence in the country and then launched a fierce bombing campaign against groups opposed to the Syrian regime. On top of it, there is speculation of a ground assault.