Russia or the US? Post-Assad Syria tries to keep both powers in play - analysis

Syria navigates a dual-track foreign policy, hosting Russian naval resupply at Tartus while simultaneously engaging a US Chamber of Commerce delegation of 50 companies in Damascus. Damascus redefines its relationship with Moscow on more limited, equal terms, while opening to American investment and economic reintegration. Analysts suggest Washington tolerates a limited Russian military footprint as long as it does not grant Moscow broad influence over Syrian decision-making.

In the same week that four Russian vessels arrived at Tartus port to resupply Moscow's remaining military facilities on the Syrian coast, a US Chamber of Commerce delegation with representatives from 50 American companies sat down with Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss investment, energy, telecommunications, and financial services. The dual-track approach reflects post-Assad Syria's attempt to redefine its relationship with Russia on more limited, equal terms while simultaneously building a broader relationship with the United States. Under a memorandum of understanding reached in August 2026 after 18 months of negotiations, Syrian state control over civilian facilities at Hmeimim airport and Tartus commercial berth was restored, while military facilities were transformed into joint training centers with a continued Russian presence. Professor Mahmoud Hamo al-Hamza, a Syrian expert on Russian affairs, described the relationship as no longer strategic but pragmatic, based on mutual interests and Syrian sovereignty. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jacob McGee said Washington encourages American investment, with firms including Chevron, HKN, Visa, and Mastercard taking steps to enter the Syrian market. The United States ended comprehensive sanctions on Syria in 2025 and removed Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list in August 2026. Political analyst Mohammad Alaa Ghanem told The Media Line that Washington does not demand Damascus cut ties with Russia but seeks to reduce Syria's dependence on Moscow by providing viable economic alternatives.