Assad’s Fall and Its Consequences
Russia and the Middle East
Namig Abbasov, Emil Souleimanov
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
After Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war on the side of Bashar al-Assad in 2015, it expanded its influence in the Middle East. Its good relations with Assad and the military bases of Tartus and Hmeimim served as pivotal points for Russia’s presence in the eastern Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, and North Africa. Assad’s fall and the change of regime in Syria in December 2024 are a bitter strategic defeat for Putin. He has not only lost geopolitical influence, but suffered damage to his image as a partner as well. Now, the Kremlin is trying to mend the broken pieces and preserve room for manoeuvre in the Middle East. Iran is an important partner.
(Osteuropa 4/2025, pp. 135–146)