Assad flees to Moscow: Russia's power game in the Middle East continues!

Assad flees to Moscow: Russia's power game in the Middle East continues!

Latakia, Syrien - A dramatic upheaval in Syria: Bashar al-Assad, the long-time president, took flight and set off to Moscow! After 13 years of chaos and the destruction that shaped the civil war, the Syrian leadership is in the air! The Kremlin has officially confirmed that Assad handed over the power peacefully and left the country. A turning point in the history of the Middle East?

"After talks with various actors of the Syrian conflict, Bashar al-Assad decided to withdraw as President and leave the country," said the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. These words are a shock for many who are following the development in the region. But what does that mean for Russia and its ambitions in the Middle East?

a new chapter for Russia?

The official name of the groups, which are now in control of Damascus, as a "opposition" is a remarkable change. Last week, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lawrow described them as "terrorists". This U -turn could indicate that Russia has to rethink its strategy. After all, Moscow was a decisive ally of the Assad regime since its intervention in 2015, which significantly stabilized Assad's rule.

The military support of Russia, including air raids and diplomatic backing in the UN Security Council, kept Assad in power. But now that Assad is looking for refuge in Moscow, the question arises: How will this affect Russia's military presence in Syria?

The naval base in Tartous and the air farm in Hmeimim are of central importance for Russia. These bases enable Moscow to project its power in the Mediterranean and beyond. Mark Galeotti, an expert for Russian matters, emphasizes: "Without the base in TartoN, it would be almost impossible for Russia to position his navy in the Mediterranean."

a sign of loyalty?

al-Assad's departure could also be interpreted as a signal to other allied Russia in the Middle East and beyond. Alexey Muravyev from Curtin University in Australia explains: "It's about symbolism. Putin shows that he does not let those who are loyal to him." This message could be of great importance for other governments in the region.

The reactions to Assad's fall are mixed. Creml critics celebrate the case of the dictator as a possible setback for Putin's influence in the Middle East. "Minus a dictator and ally of Putin," wrote the prominent Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin on X. But while some cheer, others warn that Russia's ambitions in the Middle East are not so easy to shake.

"As long as Russia keeps its bases in Latakia, little will change at its regional goals," says Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute. The loss of a controversial ally like Assad could reduce Putin's prestige, but Russia's geopolitical interests remain unaffected. Relationships with Iran and other regional actors are still stable.

The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: developments in Syria have the potential to change the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Will Russia continue to be able to claim its power, or is this the beginning of a new age in the region?