[Salon] Mihail Hazin: If we lose the bases in Syria, we will also lose our air access to Africa - micheletkearney@gmail.com - Guest Post

https://harici.com.tr/mihail-hazin-suriyedeki-usleri-kaybedersek-afrikaya-hava-erisimimizi-de-kaybederiz/ Mihail Hazin: Suriye’deki üsleri kaybedersek, Afrika’ya hava erişimimizi de kaybederiz Harici.com.tr18.12.2024 Mikhail Hazin, one of Russia's leading economists, drew attention to the strategic importance of Russia's air bases in Syria. Speaking to radio Sputnik, Hazin stated that these bases are critical for protecting Russian influence on Africa and the Middle East. “If we lose our airports in Syria, we will also lose our direct air access to Africa. This is a big problem for Russia. It also leads to the complete disappearance of our influence in the Middle East," he said. Describing the developments in Syria as a "first act", Hazin emphasized that the consequences of this situation have not yet fully emerged. Armed groups that entered Damascus on December 8 announced the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad government. 59-year-old Bashar al-Assad resigned and fled Syria and received asylum from Russia for himself and his family. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Colani, who recently used the name Ahmed Sha'a in public, claimed that Syria's new administration offered the opportunity to reconsider relations with Russia in a way that would serve common interests. On the other hand, Hazin mentioned the fate of the shipment of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine. After the contract, which will expire this year, Russia is expected to continue its natural gas shipments from a different route. Hazin stated that Turkey is trying to provide an advantage by limiting ship crossings in the Black Sea. Drawing attention to Turkey's demand for taking Russian gas with a big discount and selling it to Europe on its own terms, Hazin described this situation as "blackmail". “That's their style. However, in such a situation, they take a big risk," he said.