Link to Article: https://apnews.com/article/russia-syria-putin-sharaa-cc60fa41024e200cf1d0f6f8022bfb1c
This past Wednesday, Russian president Vladimir Putin spoke with the new Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Shaara, this has been the first top level contact between the two countries leaders since President Bashar Assad had fallen. Russias Kremlin has stated that the discussion involved trade, economics, and education between the two countries. Russian military bases within Syria have shifted after the fall of Assad as Russian forces have relocated to Hmeimim air base, however the others Russian bases will be discussed in the future. Putin also offered the New Syrian leader access to these bases for humanitarian efforts and other incentives.
Russia and Syria are rebuilding and restrengthening relations after the the Assad regime fell. Russia has shown significant interest in the region as they hope to rebuild a Russian presence within the Middle East, and garner support and allies. Syria has been labeled a failed state, and any influence from Moscow in the region must only be for Russia to gain a foothold and assert control. Other states with influence or interest within the region might respond with skepticism and be put on alert. Iran, Turkey, the United States, and Israel all either belong in or have interest in the region. Israel shares a border with Syria, and throughout the past the two countries have not had great relations. Israel invaded Syria on Dec. 8th, 2024 after the fall of the Assad regime. Any influence from a foreign power on Israels doorstep is frowned upon.
The Middle East has been defined as a “shatterbelt region” which is a strategically oriented but deeply divided region caught up in the struggle between powers. Russia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, and the U.S are all vying for the upper hand within the region to hopefully emerge as the local hegemon. However, all other powers are competing for the status as well leading to an extremely unstable region with high interest all over the globe. This shatterbelt region is of high interest to Russia, as they look to gain allies to their South, and these discussions between Syria and Moscow are a continuation of a Russian Interest.