not to lose its key ally in the Middle East

to create an Islamic state by taking advantage of the chaotic situation in the war-torn country

to gain political autonomy

to prop up Bashar al Assad financially and militarily

to fight extremism and get rid of ISIS

to fight extremism and get rid of ISIS;

to claim the country's oil (?)

to fight the Curds who it views as terrorists

to overthrow the authoritarian government

to oppose the Shia regime by supporting rebel groups with weapons and funds