If Assad is to survive, he will bring down the pipeline proposal blockade and allow for right of way for a massive gas pipeline system to cross Syrian lands. Also, keep in mind Syria has had close ties/relations with Russia going back 60 years.

This has been at the crux of the efforts to oust Assad and implant a pro-Israel puppet who will proceed with construction of a large LNG pipeline system to transport Gulf States gas to Europe, but also gas from Israel's claimed gas fields in the Mediterranean.

This will usurp Russia's European gas markets and hurt their economy. Russia views this this as warfare against them. The attempt by the west to capture Russia's warm water navy port in Sevastopol through political subterfuge in Ukraine, and now the activity of military exercises by NATO along their borders is pushing Russia to war against the west. You can hate Russia all you like, but this is not a fight they picked