If Assad was unpopular before US regime change project in Syria, he is popular among all Syrians NOW. Syrians across all ethnic religious mix have experienced brutal killings and destruction of their life by US, Israeli, saudi, Qatari and Turkish verity of so called "liberator". Anyone watching Syrian saga closely will find that local of all ethnic-religious groups have joined Syrian government militia forces to beat back foreign and foreign backed terrorists.
That being said, main reason US started Syria conflict using "FSA" terrorists was to balkanize the country so that gas pipeline from Qatar to EU can be constructed and curtail EU Russian dependency. And Israel had interest to obstruct Iran, Iraq, Syria and Hezbollah gateway.
Ground realities today is close to what former US ambassador, who was key to instigate Syrian conflict, said.
US can not overcome Russian power in Syrian theater, that is the reality. Recent Russian threat to track and shoot down US aircraft showed how US backtracked form its aggressive posture.
Turkey, Russia, Iran and Syrian government are all on same page not to allow Kurd establish any statehood. Kurds made cardinal mistake by following US command and letting DAESH terrorist attack Syrian and Russian forces in Der-Ez-Zor and Palmyra. Russians and Syrians will not have any sympathy for Kurds now. In many ways Kurds shoot themselves on their foot.
On regional and geo political realignment, Turkey and Russia (along with Iran) have more common understanding and Qatari saga initiated by Saudis and UAE further that understanding. If anyone wants to read tea leaves on Turkish and Russian relation, S400 sale should be one good example. One should not be surprised if Turkey get inducted into SCO in near future.
In face of assertive Russian and Iranian front, where does that leave US in Syria and in broader middle east? There is no definitive answer and does not look like US establishments have figure that puzzle yet. Saudis are momentary footsie for US game but can not play or has capability of decisive power projection.
Does US divide & rule and regime change policy reaching end of the road in ME? Arab street witnessing US defeat in Syria like and wish to think so.