Part 1/9:

The Unraveling of Russian Influence in Syria

In a dramatic turn of events, the Russian military, often touted by President Putin as the second most powerful army in the world, has faced significant setbacks—not on the battlefields of Ukraine, but in Syria. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that Russian soldiers are reportedly fleeing from bases constructed at an enormous expense. The resilience and momentum of rebel forces have led to the capture of Hama, Syria's seventh-largest city, with aspirations to continue their advance toward Damascus, the country's capital.