Assad's swift downfall in Syria raises questions about Russia's influence and Putin's power

Bashar Assad's rapid downfall in Syria has highlighted Russia's limitations in maintaining its influence. Assad fled to Moscow as rebel forces advanced, marking a significant shift from Russia's earlier military successes in the region. Previously, Russia had successfully supported Assad's regime, solidifying its role as a key power broker in the Middle East. Now, with Assad's collapse, the future of Russian military bases in Syria is uncertain, raising questions about Moscow's regional presence. The Kremlin's failure to protect Assad has diminished its international standing and could impact President Putin's negotiations regarding Ukraine. Observers note that this loss may make Putin less flexible in future discussions.