Russia in Syria

A general view shows docked ships at the harbor of the Sudanese city of Port Sudan, on April 27, 2021.

Analysis

Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain

A naval base deal that has been more than five years in the making has gained renewed attention after statements from Sudan’s foreign minister while in Moscow.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

France's President Emmanuel Macron (C), Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (R) and Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani pose for a group photograph during the International Conference on Syria at the Ministerial Conference Center, in Paris on February 13, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

France sees opening in Trump's USAID cuts to lead Syria humanitarian aid

The Paris conference on Syria positions France at the forefront of international efforts to support the interim regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia's Putin and Syria's Sharaa hold first call since Assad fall

Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russia’s Vladimir Putin held their first phone call on Wednesday in an uncertain time for the former allies.

A Russian ship is pictured in front of fleet replenishment oiler Ivan Bubnov (L) at the Russian naval base in the port of Tartus, Syria, Sept. 26, 2019.

Russian delegation in Syria as Moscow scrambles to secure military presence

The visit marks the first since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who had been Moscow's key ally in Syria.

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Analysis

Iran, Russia to seal strategic partnership: What’s in it for Moscow?

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of an international forum "Interrelation of times and civilizations - basis of peace and development" in Ashgabat on Oct. 11, 2024.

Anton Mardasov

By Anton Mardasov

Analysis

Russia eyes Libya as military substitute for Syria? Not so fast, say Libyans

TOPSHOT - A Syrian rebel fighter (C) looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024. (Photo by AAREF WATAD / AFP) (Photo by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)

Mohamed Eljarh

By Mohamed Eljarh

Al-Monitor's top 10 most-read articles, interviews of 2024

Children stand on a beach in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on December 30, 2024. The severe storms have caused significant damage to the already fragile living conditions in the camp. (Photo by Youssef Alzanoun / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine sends Syria 500 tons of wheat in first post-Assad aid: What we know

Storks are seen as a combine harvests wheat on a farm field near Malopolovetske village, some a hundred kilometers from Kyiv on July 20, 2024, amid Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of an international forum "Interrelation of times and civilizations - basis of peace and development" dedicated to the 300th anniversary of poet Magtymguly Fragi's birthday in Ashgabat on October 11, 2024. (Photo by Alexander SHCHERBAK / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER SHCHERBAK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

India-Europe corridor, trade top Russian delegation talks in Iran: What we know

The visit occurs at a pivotal moment for the evolving partnership and the challenges it faces under international sanctions and scrutiny, coupled with regional dynamics that have seen both sides in graver need of one another.

A Russian soldier stands next to submarines at the Russian naval base in the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartous, on Sept. 26, 2019.

Analysis

Russia, reeling from Assad loss, delays decision on Syria naval presence till March

Russia’s military withdrawal from Syria marks a strategic shift, with diplomatic efforts now focused on retaining influence.

Anton Mardasov

By Anton Mardasov

A Russian warship is pictured at the Russian naval base in the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartous on Sept. 26, 2019.

With Syria’s Tartous port nearly evacuated, is Russia moving naval assets to Libya?

Russia is moving its troops and equipment in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, with the Kremlin saying no decision has been taken about the Russian military status in the country as of yet.

Israeli military vehicles cross the fence as they return from the buffer zone with Syria.

Analysis

Israel destroys Syria’s navy after breaching buffer zone: What to know

After conducting hundreds of airstrikes inside Syria in recent days, Israeli leaders say the entry of troops into the Syrian buffer zone and Syria's Mount Hermon is temporary.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israeli tanks take position near the fence with the buffer zone that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from the rest of Syria, near the Druze village of Majdal Shams, Dec. 8, 2024.

Analysis

Israel sees opportunity, favors federalism in post-Assad Syria

Israeli officials are not yet sure whether the fall of the Assad regime and other recent events in Syria are positive or negative developments for the region.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Syrians who lives in Turkey wait in a queue at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering in Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay, on Dec. 9, 2024.

Turkey to reopen crossing for returning Syrians as Erdogan hails rebel victory

The Turkish president pledges support for reconstruction as the victory by opposition groups bolster efforts to re

US President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in Syria in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Dec. 8, 2024 following a crisis meeting to discuss the sudden overthrow by Islamist-led rebels of President Bashar al-Assad.

Biden says fall of Syria’s Assad 'moment of historic opportunity'

The president said the United States will engage with all Syrian groups to establish a transition away from the Assad regime.

An anti-government fighter celebrates at Umayyad Square in Damascus, on Dec. 8, 2024.

Who controls what in Syria as post-Assad transition begins?

President Bashar al-Assad left Syria shortly before rebel forces took the capital, Damascus, leaving various groups in control of different parts of the country.

An anti-government fighter tears down a portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, after jihadists and their allies entered the northern Syrian city, on November 30, 2024.

Russia state media says Syria's Assad and his family in Moscow

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after rebels claimed they seized Damascus.

A Syrian anti government fighter fires his rifle into the air in the streets of the west-central city of Hama on Dec. 5, 2024.

US on sidelines, Russia’s foothold tested as rebels take Syria’s Hama

The rebel blitz over the past week, alongside the collapse of Syrian army positions, has delivered the Islamist militants to the city of Hama and within 90 miles of strategic Russian bases on the Mediterranean Sea.

A militant poses for a picture after anti-government fighters seized Syrian army military equipment and vehicles that were abandoned on the highway to Damascus, as they reach the town of Suran north of Syria's Hama city on Dec. 3, 2024.

Turkey’s Erdogan urges Assad to engage rebels as Fidan readies for talks with Iran, Russia

Turkey's president held calls on Syria with his Russian counterpart and Iraq's prime minister, while the top Turkish diplomat is expected to meet with his Russian and Iranian counterparts for three-party talks.

An anti-government fighter tears down a portrait of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, after jihadis and their allies entered the northern Syrian city, on Nov. 30, 2024.

Analysis

With eye on Iran, Israel wary of Syria rebels offensive, prefers Assad

Israel is now debating whether the recent upsurge of rebels in Syria could increase regional threats and its strategic interests.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs