Syria's new leadership has said it will not extend the contract with Russia for the naval base in Tartus. The fate of the nearby Hmeimim air base is likely to be the same. Thus, the 54-year history of a permanent Soviet, and later Russian, presence is coming to an inglorious end.

By Kareem Shaheen, Newlines

One of the most enduring images of my teenage years is that of Mohammad al-Durrah.

Commander Abu Bakr, a member of the High Negotiations committee, has described the Russian and Iranian forces in Syria as occupiers since they are the guarantors of the Syrian regime in the Eastern Ghouta area.

Abu Bakr tweeted “Russians and Iranians are guarantors and in besieging Ghouta are continuing, and as half a million starve and the children die of starvation. What guarantee do you speak [of]?"