Of course it's a bigger game in play, but for Syria at this point in time, the main reason for these airstrikes is to raise the costs to Iran to the point of leaving if there's going to be peace (less likely scenario, but favored by Trump) or foment an uprising in Iran to upset OBOR, the tripartate alliance and support Greater Israel (more likely scenario).
I will check out your work. And yes, I agree completely that there is a lot going on vis a vis the oil/gas assets there.