Analysis: Assad will turn to Russia for a 'way out'
By YAAKOV KATZ
Defense officials say Russian FM is expected to tell Assad diplomatic support from Russia won't last.
Syria's President Bashar Assad speaks in Damascus By REUTERS/Syrian TV

As violence continued to escalate in Syria on Monday, officials in the Israeli defense establishment predicted President Bashar Assad was searching for a “way out” and would likely turn to Russia for assistance. On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will arrive in Damascus as the head of a delegation of intelligence and military officers. Lavrov is expected to tell Assad the diplomatic support he received from Russia at the United Nations over the weekend will not last forever and the embattled president will need to begin considering his resignation. Russia’s interest in Syria is believed to stem mainly from its desire to retain a foothold in the Middle East. It currently has a naval presence in the city of Tartus.

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