Putin's power game: Assad flees to Moscow - what does that mean for Syria?

Putin's power game: Assad flees to Moscow - what does that mean for Syria?

A dramatic upheaval in the geopolitical landscape! The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has determined the fate of his country in the middle of a devastating civil war for over 13 years, has fled and set himself off to Moscow. A step that not only questions the future of Syria, but also the ambitions of Russia in the Middle East!

The Russian Foreign Minister announced on Sunday: "After talks with various parties to the conflict in the Arab Republic of Syria, Bashar al-Assad has decided to withdraw as President and leave the country." This marks a turning point in Syrian history and raises questions about the stability of the region.

a new chapter for Russia?

Russia, which has been the decisive ally of the Assad regime since 2015, has been in a delicate Situation in the past few weeks. While Russian foreign policy aimed at the support of the Syrian regime in the past, rhetoric has now changed. The term "opposition" is suddenly used for the groups who are now in control of Damascus - a remarkable change after the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently referred to these groups as "terrorists".

The strategic military bases in Russia in Syria, especially the naval base in Tartous and the air force base in Hmeimim, are of crucial importance for Moscow's influence in the Mediterranean. Mark Galeotti, an expert in Russian matters, emphasizes: "Both bases are of great importance for Russia." These bases enable Russia to coordinate its military operations in the region and to secure its power projection.

symbolism and loyalty

al-Assad's escape to Moscow lines him into the list of prominent personalities who live under the protection of Russia. But what does this mean for the loyalty between Putin and his allies? Alexey Muravyev from Curtin University in Australia explains: "It's more about symbolism. Assad has shown Putin's personal loyalty over the years, even during the invasion in Ukraine." This sends a strong signal to other countries in the region: "As long as your loyal remains, we will not let you down."

The reactions to al-assades fall are mixed. Critics celebrate his case as a victory against a allied Putin. The prominent Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin tweeted: "Minus a dictator and ally of Putin." However, while some overestimate the importance of this event, others argue that Russia's influence in the Middle East is not significantly impaired as long as the military bases in Latakia are secured.

Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute states: "The Middle East is of great importance for Russia. Relationships with the Gulf States and the energy trade remain, regardless of the situation in Syria." This indicates that Putin's ambitions in the Middle East could remain strong despite the loss of a controversial ally.