good thing or bad thing??
Damascus is Russia's headquarters in the MidEast. This war is about the reserve currency and the only way Russia replaces the US is if they can be the new policeman in the Mideast. So in that sense it is huge.
The Islamists are backed by Turkey, and of course Iran and Russia are involved as well. Those three nations are the key players in Ezekiel 38 war.
It is very likely with the situation in Ukraine Russia doesn't want to be dragged into this right now, but that is how it is described in Ezekiel 38, a hook in the Jaw drags Russia into the fight.
Ukraine is also essential because it is an important part of the Gog kingdom, so it must be returned to Russia prior to the Ezekiel 38 war.
Methuselah died seven days before the flood and I expect Damascus becoming a ruinous heap will be our version of the Days of Noah seven years before Armageddon.
I think this shows that unless Russia goes nuclear they will lose. Their economy is starting to falter, and they can't withstand the pressure from the US and European union.