Syria's growing relationship with Russia has given it a rare ally in its generally isolated position. However, Moscow plays only a limited role in supporting Damascus internationally, say Syrian analysts.
Syria has built stronger relations with Russia in the past few years. Moscow has refurbished some of its old military bases in the country, and has written off 70 per cent of Syria's debt.
According to a writer from Damascus, the relationship goes back a long way. The late president Hafez al-Assad "was smart about having a balance in his country's relationships that included both America and Russia" during the Cold War, he said.
The situation is different today, and Russia is hoping to regain some international leverage through the relationship with Syria, analysts say.
Russia is rebuilding a base in the port of Tartus for use by its Black Sea fleet. The facility was left empty for 16 years and when finished, will be Moscow's only military base outside the former Soviet Union.
Russian arms deals with Syria have raised tensions between Moscow and Israel. With the support of the United States, the Russians have offered to sponsor Middle East peace talks.
Moscow is looking to "regain its place in an international system now controlled by the United States", the writer said. "Russia is trying to rebuild its power by creating an atmosphere similar to that of the Cold War. There is no other explanation for restoring its military presence in the region."
Syria has built stronger relations with Russia in the past few years. Moscow has refurbished some of its old military bases in the country, and has written off 70 per cent of Syria's debt.
According to a writer from Damascus, the relationship goes back a long way. The late president Hafez al-Assad "was smart about having a balance in his country's relationships that included both America and Russia" during the Cold War, he said.
The situation is different today, and Russia is hoping to regain some international leverage through the relationship with Syria, analysts say.
Russia is rebuilding a base in the port of Tartus for use by its Black Sea fleet. The facility was left empty for 16 years and when finished, will be Moscow's only military base outside the former Soviet Union.
Russian arms deals with Syria have raised tensions between Moscow and Israel. With the support of the United States, the Russians have offered to sponsor Middle East peace talks.
Moscow is looking to "regain its place in an international system now controlled by the United States", the writer said. "Russia is trying to rebuild its power by creating an atmosphere similar to that of the Cold War. There is no other explanation for restoring its military presence in the region."
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