Russia dropping Assad would mean Western boots on the ground in Syria to fight the jihadists, who would undoubtedly overtake Syria, as they were close to doing in 2015 when Russia stepped in. The weak so-called "moderate opposition" would be destroyed or simply absorbed by the jihadists.

Russia has said all along: "Stop the jihadists first; then we'll deal with Assad."

Jihadists' overthrow of Assad means:

1. They have the resources of an entire state, and will use their increased power to strike their enemies...worldwide.
2. They will slaughter all Syrian Shia Muslims, Christians, Druze, and all Sunni Muslims who have worked for the government--as they have promised to do.
3. Most of Syria's population will flee, creating an overwhelming refugee crisis.
4. Jihadists worldwide will flock to Syria.
5. With no proxy force as in Iraq, NATO will have to fight on the ground to end the threat; bombing alone won't do.

Political posturing is nice, but I hope our PM knows the reality.