Assad’s regime seemingly came out of nowhere, and as Aleppo fell to Turkish-backed rebels in a matter of days, the Syrian president reportedly flew to Moscow.

Opposition 'took a look at three actors who had been pummeling them for years: Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. They had seen them weaker and more exposed than before,' says National Security Adviser Sull

Time and time again the Assad dynasty has survived internal and external challenges and lived to fight another day. But nothing lasts forever.