"If Russia wants to once again play a major role in the international area, it needs this base, primarily to protect its interests," George Messi, the head of the International Relations department at the American University of Science and Technology in Beirut, Lebanon, told RIA Novosti. "The United States has established bases all over the world. Why can't Russia have a base at least in the Middle East?"
The Russiaт defense analyst also said that the base in Tartus will provide a "reliable support area" to the Russian naval forces deployed to the area. "A full-scale base will help to improve logistical and technical support for our naval assets," he explained.
Along with the Hmeymim airbase, the base in Tartus "will enhance Russia's foreign and defense policies," Korotchenko said, adding that they will also help to "neutralize any threats."
"If our new combat surface ships and submarines outfitted with Kalibr cruise missiles are based in Tartus, this will allow Moscow to keep situation in the Middle East and the Mediterranean under control," he suggested, adding that this is particularly important taking into account NATO's increased assertiveness.
The next US administration will try to weaken Russia in the Middle East and beyond, Messi noted.
"Americans have to understand that it's not the 1990s. Russia is much stronger now," he said. "The West, particularly the US, has to accept that Moscow has created a new military and political reality."
"The United States is against the Russian base in Tartus. Firstly, it is located close to Incirlik. In military and strategic terms, this base is extremely dangerous for the US and Israel. It was an unpleasant surprise from Moscow. In addition, the S-300 systems already deployed to Syria are extremely dangerous to the US. I think Americans will think long and hard before doing anything," he said.
