Russia has maintained a naval hub at the Mediterranean port of Tartus and the Khmeimim air base in northwestern Syria since Moscow's military helped President Bashar al-Assad claw back the majority of the country, after nationwide protests that erupted in 2011 threatened his rule. The fall of the Assad regime threatens to limit Russia's ability to project power in the Middle East. Russian state media reported Sunday that Assad had been granted asylum in Russia. | Russia has maintained a naval hub at the Mediterranean port of Tartus and the Khmeimim air base in northwestern Syria since Moscow's military helped President Bashar al-Assad claw back the majority of the country, after nationwide protests that erupted in 2011 threatened his rule. The fall of the Assad regime threatens to limit Russia's ability to project power in the Middle East. Russian state media reported Sunday that Assad had been granted asylum in Russia. |