In brief
In the wake of the Assad regime's decline, Syrians are expressing a strong desire for Russia to withdraw its military presence. However, while citizens like rebel commander Ahmed Taha view Russia as an enemy, their interim government maintains a more cautious approach, navigating the intricacies of foreign policy and military dependence.
In a country decimated by nearly 14 years of civil war, the relationship between Russia and Syria remains deeply contentious. Once partners in combatting rebel forces, many Syrians now associate Moscow with the destruction of their homeland. Ahmed Taha, a rebel leader from Douma, openly condemns Russia as an enemy, noting the devastation caused by Russian airstrikes. Historically, Russia intervened in Syria in 2015, fortifying Assad's regime and securing long-term military bases, pivotal for expanding Moscow's influence regionally and in Africa.Despite the recent fall of the Assad regime, some members of the interim Syrian government advocate continued cooperation with Russia, describing it as "strategic." However, sentiment on the ground portrays a stark contrast. Many civilians and former rebels bitterly remember the cruelty and wreckage endured during the conflict, voicing a collective yearning for Russian withdrawal. This divide complicates the future of Russian military bases in Syria, which remain subjects of ongoing negotiations.As Syrian leaders, including defense analysts, contemplate rebuilding the military, concerns arise regarding ongoing dependence on Russian supplies. The historical ties between the two countries, deeply rooted in the Soviet era, create a tangled web of military and political relationships that will be difficult to unravel.In summary, while the desire to sever ties with Russia is strong among the Syrian populace, the government must tread carefully in navigating its post-Assad reality, balancing internal demands with the necessity of strategic foreign relations.
