Russia’s prestige has taken a hit with the sudden fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Moscow had invested heavily in propping up Assad’s government for nearly a decade, but its efforts have been unsuccessful.
Until yesterday, Russia’s military presence in Syria was seen as a key component of Vladimir Putin’s global ambitions. The Russian president had declared that his military operation in Syria was “mission accomplished” during a visit to the Hmeimim air base in 2017.
However, despite regular reports of civilian casualties caused by Russian airstrikes, Moscow claimed confidence in its operations. Now, with Assad fleeing to Moscow, Russia’s hold on the eastern Mediterranean is under threat.
Russia had secured important military bases in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base and naval base in Tartous, which became crucial hubs for transferring military contractors in Africa. The Kremlin’s priorities have shifted as a result of Assad’s fall.
Russian officials are now trying to present the situation as “business as usual” while investigating scapegoats for the regime’s collapse. State TV has blamed the Syrian army for not fighting back against rebels, while Moscow claims its priority is Russia’s own security in Ukraine.
The message from Putin’s government to the Russian public is clear: despite nine years of investment in propping up Assad’s regime, national security takes precedence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clygege97qwo