Fall of Assad in Syria threatens Russia's influence in Mediterranean and Africa

The potential fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria threatens Russia's military presence and influence in the Mediterranean and Africa. Syria has been a crucial ally, providing military bases that support Russian operations in these regions. Without Assad, Russia risks losing its naval base at Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase, which are vital for logistics and power projection. This could complicate Russia's military support in Africa, where it has established ties through military contractors. The situation may undermine Russia's credibility as a reliable ally for autocratic regimes, particularly in Africa. If Moscow cannot secure its position in Syria, it may struggle to maintain influence and partnerships in other regions.