In an interview, Murhaf Abu Qasra, a onetime leader in Syria’s insurgency, discussed moves by authorities in Damascus to build new alliances.

Syria’s new government is open to allowing Russia to keep its strategic military bases in the country after the ouster of Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Thursday.

Syria’s new leadership is open to allowing Russia to keep its military bases in the country if it aligns with national interests, Murhaf Abu Qasra, defense minister in the transitional government, told The Washington Post in an interview published on February 6.

The arrival of the first top Russian diplomat in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad’s fall kicks off negotiations over the fate of Moscow’s bases in Syria.

Syria will keep Russian military bases on its territory in Tartus and Khmeimim, if it is beneficial to her, said the Minister of Defense of the transitional Government, Murhaf Abu Kasra.

It’s too soon to discuss setting up new military bases in Syria, Ankara says but assured concrete steps are underway to help bolster the new

A delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry travelled to Damascus for talks with Syria's new leaders on Tuesday for the first time since the fall of long-time ruler and Moscow ally Bashar al-Assad.

Syria's new government will decide the fate of Russian military bases based on national interests, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Feb. 6. Russia's ability to retain its naval base in Tartus and airbase in Khmeimim will depend on what Moscow offers in return,