In a move aimed at cementing Russia’s long-term presence in Syria, the two nations today signed an agreement on the status of the Tartus Naval Base, allowing Russia to dramatically expand and modernize the facility. Tartus is Russia’s lone naval port in the Mediterranean.
The new deal secures Russia’s presence for an additional 49 years, and will involve dredging the port area and installing new floating berths, intending to expand the facility to the point that it can handle 11 warships at any given time.
Tartus base was initially established by the Soviet Union in 1971, one of several supply facilities they had around the world at the time. In the post-Soviet era, Russia forgave a substantial debt to the Assad government, and was given a deal to expand the facility in 2006.
This new expansion envisions making Tartus even bigger, and is likely a function of the Syrian government’s dependence on Russia during the ongoing civil war, which probably gave Russia considerable leverage to get a long term deal on the matter.
Good.
A Dutch saying applies: “now the ape emerges from the sleeve”.
Huge story! Determining the success of the coming peace talks before the fact. And a test of the Trump regime far too soon before he’s ready to make any kind of decisions.
How scary is it that early decisions which are going to be needed will be made by such entities as ‘Mad Dog Maddis’.
We all need to be quite worried because of the lack of a moderating factor being involved. It’s just too obvious that Trump won’t interfere with the lobic that presented to him on dealing with this power play.
Was this perfectly timed by Russia? It seems quite likely and is a sign of a bravado challenge by Russia.
luv from Canada.
Not particularly important, the age of warships being very over.
A local base, yeah sure, it can be useful.
Totally wrong. Think in terms of regional proxy wars that are promoted by the US and countered by the other side which is currently Russia and China. But will eventually be expanded to mean the BRICS as a military force as well as an economic force.
Then you will be able to understand that a huge naval force that is capable of taking the air war to battle front is necessary for the aggressor. And a huge naval force with the capability of destroying any outside aggression is that which is necessary for the victims or the defenders.
You can reverse the roles if you want to try but it’s pretty hard to visualize Russia needing the capability of bringing the fight to the mainland US. Or even future land wars to the US.