This is what Russians thought about Syria two weeks ago

The Levada Center, an independent Russian polling agency, recently conducted a study of Russian attitudes about the conflict in Syria. The survey was carried out between September 18 and 21, 2015, roughly two weeks ahead of the Federation Assembly's unanimous vote on September 30 authorizing Vladimir Putin to deploy Russia's armed forces in Syria.

Only 15 percent of Russians said they follow news about events in Syria closely. Roughly half (54 percent) said they are aware of the conflict, but don't follow it very carefully. Only 10 percent of those polled said they support the opposition, which the United States backs against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. 36 percent of Russians said they support Assad, but even more (39 percent) supported no side in the conflict.

46 percent of those surveyed believed the conflict in Syria today is a civil war, while 32 percent said the war is an attempt by terrorists incited by Western intervention to overthrow the legitimate Assad regime. (In June 2013, only 36 percent of those surveyed saw the conflict as a civil war, and 40 percent blamed the West for inciting terrorists.)

According to Levada's survey, there was no consensus about what to expect in Syria. 29 percent expected the United States to become further embroiled, 22 foresaw a continued civil war, and 13 percent expected the Assad regime to defeat the rebels. Just 1 percent of Russians polled said they expect the US-supported opposition to win the war.

Asked if they approve of Moscow's Syria policy, 39 percent of Russians expressed support for the Kremlin, while only 12 percent expressed opposition. 33 percent said they have no interest in Russia's Syria policy, and another 17 percent refused to answer.

58 percent of Russians said the terrorist group ISIL presents a security threat to the region and the world, while just 14 percent denied it.