The Assad regime's hopes of outright victory in the Syrian civil war have been dashed by defeats in the north of the country in the run-up to the planned American intervention, according to analysts, diplomats and reports from the ground.
Six months ago President Bashar al-Assad was said to be finally winning the war as the rebel forces collapsed due to extremism and infighting.
But now, even as America announces new plans to train fighters to take him on while also bombing bases of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), he has been driven out in parts of the north with heavy losses, and some of his allies are said to be disillusioned with him.
Diplomats say that both Iran and the Lebanese-based Shia group Hizbollah, previously staunch backers, are questioning their unconditional support.