The fall of the Assad regime in Syria last year initially seemed to be a huge blow to Russia, stripping it of a long-time ally and undermining the link between Russia and the African continent, where Russian mercenaries have been actively engaged in the economic and security spheres.
Nine months after Islamist rebels overthrew the Assad dynasty, however, Russian relations with Syria are on an apparent road to recovery. By skillfully using differences among regional actors as well as its status as Syria’s chief weapons supplier, Russia has managed to reconstitute parts of its former influence, including retaining access to three military bases.
Moscow’s most important influence during its decades-long alliance with the Assad regime may be even more important to Syria now — serving as a deterrent or at least a break on Israeli military activities.
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Emil Avdaliani is a Research Fellow at the Turan Research Center.