Syrian Defense Minister Says Russia Could Keep Bases Near the Mediterranean

What Happened?

Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said this week that Russia could keep naval and air bases in Syria so long as any agreement between the two countries serves Syria’s interests. 

The only condition mentioned by Syrian officials was that any agreement between Russia and Syria, including continued use of bases along the Mediterranean, must serve the interests of Syria. 

The interview by Syria’s Defense Minister was given Sunday, and covered a wide range of topics including relations with Russia. 

Why it Matters

Murhaf Abu Qasra was a resistance fighter who fought against the Assad regime, and during that conflict he and his fellow rebels were regularly targeted by Russian military forces. 

The comments given during the Sunday interview appear to signal a warming of relations between Russia and the new rulers of Syria. After toppling the Assad regime, the former insurgents have been trying to put together a new government. Establishing good relations with a major power like Russia would help accomplish that goal. 

Syria is a country that has been devastated by years of civil war. Many of its key military installations were destroyed during the fighting or by the Israeli military after the Assad regime collapsed. 

Russia could potentially provide a much-needed infusion of resources, both in terms of financial and military aid. Rebuilding Syria’s military will be difficult without outside help, and its likely the new rulers of Syria are keenly aware of that fact.

For its part Russia has long relied on Syria for naval access to the Mediterranean. 

While Russia possesses a powerful military force, due to geographic constraints the Russian Navy doesn’t have a warm water port of its own. 

Lack of a warm water port can severely restrict the range of operations for the Russian Navy, which can get frozen in during the long and harsh winters in the north. Syria has long provided Russian miliary assets with warm water access, which increases the ability of Russia to project power beyond its own borders.

Russia also appears eager to put the horrors of the Syrian civil war behind it. Though it remains to be seen if Russian and former Syrian rebel forces who actively fought against each other for years will be able to forget the past and work together as their leaders desire.

How it Affects You

A Syria in chaos would benefit no one. Failed states frequently become terrorist and criminal havens, two things the Middle East can ill afford. 

The move to restore relations between Syria and Russia to levels seen during the Assad regime indicates both sides want to put geopolitical necessities ahead of personal grudges, at least for now.