Bashar al-Assad granted asylum in Russia after military base deal

Bashar al-Assad, the former President of Syria, has been granted asylum in Russia along with his family. This follows his departure from Syria amid a rebel advance into Damascus, marking the end of his family's long rule. Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Assad's exit and stated he ordered a peaceful transfer of power. A deal has been made to ensure the safety of Russian military bases in Syria, which are crucial for Moscow's influence in the region. Despite the official assurances, some Russian military bloggers express concern over the security of these bases. They report heightened tensions and a lack of initiative from Russian forces to defend their positions amid the ongoing conflict.