Russia suffers a snub after the fall of Bashar al-Assad – La Nouvelle Tribune

Syria ended the lease signed in 2019 which entrusted to a Russian company management of the commercial port of Tartous for a period of 49 years. This strategic decision mainly aims to generate new revenue for the Syrian government, currently facing very limited financial resources.

The new Syrian government is seeking to recover the 60% of revenue from the port’s commercial activity, previously captured by the Russian company. This measure demonstrates a pragmatic desire to diversify its sources of financing and reduce its economic dependence on Russia. Also a way of asserting the authority of the new regime in power.

Geopolitical repositioning in this region of the world

The Syrian government clearly shows its intention to distance itself from Moscowwhile maintaining strategic relationships. This decision comes in a context where Syria wishes to reaffirm its independence and open the way to new foreign investments.

The ongoing negotiations on the future of Russian military bases reflect this desire for repositioning. The Syrian people, having long suffered from foreign interference, seem to support this new, more nuanced diplomatic approach. A decision which could, however, mean the end of Russian influence in this region of the world, the country finding itself isolated, with only Iran providing real support.

Weakened position for Russia in the Middle East

Moscow nevertheless remains cautious, aware of the strategic challenge of maintaining its maintenance and refueling installations in Mediterranean. The new Syrian power, perfectly aware of this issue, will not hesitate to negotiate fiercely the maintenance of these military presences, transforming this situation into a financial opportunity for a Syrian state with exhausted finances. The coming months and future exchanges between the parties therefore promise to be particularly tense.