Open source investigators, looking at satellite pictures and online air traffic tracking, have noted significant moves by Russia at its long-held Syrian bases since the regime of its ally, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, was toppled nearly two weeks ago.
Russian officials have denied their troops are leaving Syria and reported they were negotiating with the rebel opposition group, which led the offensive that toppled the Assad regime and who are now setting up Syria’s transitional government.
The jury is still out on whether or not the fall of Syria constitutes a strategic defeat for Russia. For Iran and the Shiites, there is no question about it. But Russia has lost a security dependency (which is good for Russia), without losing a foothold in the Mediterranean. Now that foothold is located much closer to our Euro-peons.
See also: Russia Withdraws Air-Defense Systems, Other Advanced Weaponry From Syria To Libya