That’s what I’ve been wondering too. Russia has done it before and it would be a good way of saving face. Though admittedly that’s just useless conjecture.

Yep. If was real, it would look something like this:

The F-22s were used against ISIL, in Syria, in case Assad tried to shoot down coalition aircraft, not because of ISIL itself. Russia doesn’t have to worry about that.

Is it not possible that, they’re mainly getting involved for Irans sake? (As well as to stand up to the west). After all they are all close allies.