What's happened
Bashar al-Assad's regime collapse and subsequent asylum in Russia pose significant challenges for the Kremlin. This event threatens Russia's military presence in Syria and its broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Mary Dejevsky in The Independent, the fall of Assad signifies not only a loss of Russian power abroad but also a potential destabilization within Russia itself. Dejevsky notes that the Arab Spring's lessons resonate in Russia, highlighting the fragility of authority. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times emphasizes the Kremlin's embarrassment over Assad's collapse, with Alexander Gabuev stating that Russia's credibility as a security partner is at stake. The article also points out that the Kremlin is now forced to engage with groups it previously opposed, indicating a significant shift in strategy. This contrast illustrates the complex ramifications of Assad's downfall for both Russia and the broader Middle East.
How we got here
Assad's regime, supported by Russia since 2015, has faced increasing opposition, culminating in a rapid insurgent offensive that led to his downfall. This shift raises questions about Russia's influence in the region and its military strategy moving forward.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, officially known as the Islamic State and also known by its Arabic-language acronym Daesh, is a militant group and a former unrecognised proto-state that follows
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.