Part 6/9:
The stakes of the Syrian conflict extend beyond territorial control; they implicate long-standing geopolitical dynamics in the region. For Putin, losing influence in Syria would not only squander years of substantial investment into military training, arms, and infrastructure but would also signify a critical shift in power in the Middle East. The naval base in Tartus serves as Russia's only access point to the Mediterranean and is part of a strategy to counterbalance American military dominance in the region.
Further complicating Russia's predicament is the reality that their involvement in Ukraine has drained resources and attention, which could provide an opportunity for the rebels to leverage newfound momentum against Assad’s weakened regime.