The New York Times: Syria’s new leaders are opening a dialogue with Russia to move beyond the previous period of hostility
The New York Times reported that the new Syrian leadership has begun direct dialogue with Russia, previously considered a “political enemy,” noting that the two sides share a common interest in turning the page on the past, in its comment on President Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Moscow.
The New York Times quoted Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a Turkish journalist and a researcher at the American Brookings Institution, as saying: “With Sharaa, we clearly see pragmatism prevailing over ideology… He doesn’t want to create a new enemy while seeking to consolidate his position in this complex region.”
The researcher added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Shara’s regional ally, may advise him—based on his political experience—to balance the risks of angering Western partners by rapprochement with Moscow against the potential security and economic gains.
The New York Times noted that Russia seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria through its air bases in Hmeimim and Qamishli, and to continue using the port of Tartus, which represents the only stopover point for its aircraft and military vessels in the eastern Mediterranean during their journeys to and from Africa.
The report also noted that Moscow has supplied Damascus with oil and grain at preferential prices, while Syria remains in dire need of Russian support within the UN Security Council on sensitive security and political issues.
For his part, researcher Abed al Thalji said that Damascus relies on Moscow’s support within the Security Council, especially given that President Sharaa and his interior minister remain on UN sanctions lists, in addition to the challenges associated with the disengagement agreement with Israel.
According to the New York Times, the Syrian-Russian rapprochement reflects a significant shift in Damascus’ regional policy, which seeks to reposition itself among major powers based on purely pragmatic considerations aimed at achieving internal stability and securing long-term economic and political support.
