Everyone wants the Islamic State thrown upon the ash heap of history. But while Barack Obama expected Russia to fall in line with his coalition to do something to the Islamic State, Russia’s involvement comes with some demands, demonstrating that there is a power struggle to figure out just who is the top dog in Middle East policy. Obama, and the rest of the West, want Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad deposed and a fledgling government established with the mission to spearhead the defeat of the Islamic State.

But in comments Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia’s puppet dictator had to stay for Moscow to turn its attention from bombing moderate Syrian rebels threatening Assad to the caliphate. “It seems to me there are no longer any doubts that it is simply unacceptable to put forward any pre-conditions for joining forces in the fight against terror,” Lavrov said. Perhaps Obama and Co. thought that Russia would remember that old “reset” button because the Islamic State bombed its passenger jet that left 224 people dead in the Sinai desert. But Lavrov said it was the West that needed to find its focus after the Paris attacks. He continued, “I hope that the change in position of our Western colleagues — which unfortunately came at the cost of the terrible terror attacks — will be seen on the part of our other Western partners.”

Frankly, it’s hard to fathom why Obama still prioritizes ousting Assad over dealing with the Islamic State. Obama probably feels like he’s about to get kinged on the checkerboard, as he will demand Russia and Iran distance themselves over the fight in Syria. But Russia already has the most influence in the region. Vladimir Putin is three moves ahead on the chessboard.