Russia has long coveted its warm-water port on the Mediterranean at Tartus, Syria, as a base of influence in the Middle East and beyond.
That geopolitical situation has now come to a rather swift close as the new Turkish-backed Islamic government of Syria has cancelled the contract for the Russian firm operating the port, forcing the removal of Kremlin influence in the Levant.
Moscow will now focus on Libya and other regional hubs to focus basing operations for its military.
The development is a major increase in tension between Russia and Turkey as Ankara flexes muscles in the Levant. Basing for Russia forces in the Middle East will likely be a point of negotiation during Trump’s upcoming visit with Russian President Putin.
Hellbound and Down 