Brilliant strategy by Assad: Kill or drive out the population, then exploit the oil. The oil fields can be managed by a bunch of expats who cycle through, but don't actually live there. Once no one lives in Syria, there will be minimal infrastructure to support, maximizing profit.

Good luck Assad.

The Russians have figured this out and want to be in a friendly, helpful position in order to be able to supply the expats. If Assad thinks that the US is a bunch of snakes, just wait till he partners with the Russian businessmen. The best outcome that he can expect is that he'll end up exiled to a fortified castle somewhere out of sight, counting his allowance.

Meanwhile, the arms dealers are loving it. First they sold arms to all of the local factions, now they are selling arms to 3rd parties who will come in and destroy the original arms. Next, the arms dealers will sell more arms to the winning factions in order to restore the balance of power in the area.

Finally, a new cycle begins with a new list of rearmed players.