Description: Syrian de – facto rulers, Haiat Tahrir Al – Sham led by Ahmed al – Sharaa has allegedly closed upon concluding an agreement with Russia for its military forces to remain in the country. Russian forces would aim at remaining in their naval base in Tartus and keep the remainder of the forces in the Hmeimim air base near Latakia. Previous contacts between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ahmed al – Sharaa were made upon which concessions were agreed upon. In the interim, Israel has increased its military presence in the southeastern parts of the country and imposed control of over 30% of the country’s water supply. US and Turkish troops are also located in the northeast, south and northwest parts of Syria respectively.
Impact: Syria has become increasingly geopolitically attractive since the ousting of Bashar al – Assad. Russia was about to abandon its military presence in the country with the fall of the ex – President but reignited bilateral relations could enable Russian forces to remain in the theater. The country is plagued by various extremist offshoots struggling for control over crucial geo strategic regions and with the announced withdrawal of US troops, Russia could reinsert its influence once again. Turkey and Israel also play considerable roles in the country as they aim to counter terrorist incursions into their own countries and influence the forming of the next Syrian government as well. With such a differentiated geopolitical landscape the country should at the very least counter terrorist threats effectively in the short – term, while establishing governance credibility with its people.