Russian Bases Weigh Heavily as EU Considers a New Syria

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European leaders are not rushing to embrace Syria’s new rulers — and won’t be more inclined to work with the new regime if it allows Russia to operate in the country. EU member states are discussing whether to lift sanctions on Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or HTS, and whether longer-term aid should hinge on getting Moscow to vacate its two military bases in Syria, we’ve heard. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp was clear enough: “We want the Russians out.” The bloc has sent a diplomat to make contact with HTS, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate still designated as a terror outfit by the US and EU. The group has promised to rule in an inclusive fashion since ousting Syria’s Bashar al-Assad last week. It’s also not clear whether Russia will stick around, with satellite imagery suggesting it has already moved some military assets. The Kremlin has said it is in touch with Syrian authorities over the bases.