Introduction

The Soviet Union’s relationship with Syria was a complex and strategic alliance that spanned several decades during the Cold War era. This partnership was characterized by extensive military, economic, and political support from the USSR to Syria, making it one of the most significant relationships in the Middle East region.

Establishment and Development of Ties

Diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Syria were officially established in July 1944. However, the relationship began to strengthen significantly in the 1950s:

In 1955, Moscow invited Syria to join a pro-Soviet pact.

A secret agreement was signed on February 1, 1946, in which the Soviet Union agreed to provide military assistance in forming the Syrian Arab Army.

Between 1955 and 1958, Syria received approximately $294 million from the Soviet Union for military and economic aid.

Military Cooperation

The USSR became Syria’s primary military backer, providing substantial arms and training:

From 1955 to 1960, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev provided Syria with more than $200 million in military aid.

About 90% of Syria’s arms imports between 1974 and 1985 came from the USSR.

The Soviet Union supplied Syria with military equipment during and after the Arab-Israeli conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Economic and Technical Assistance

Beyond military aid, the USSR provided significant economic and technical support:

The Soviet Union assisted in large-scale construction projects, including hydroelectric plants and irrigation systems.

A notable project was the construction of the Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates River, completed in 1973, which created Syria’s largest reservoir and enhanced its hydroelectric capacity.

Political Alliance

The relationship was also characterized by strong political ties:

In 1980, Syria and the Soviet Union signed a twenty-year Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

The USSR was often quick to support Syria diplomatically, such as recognizing the reestablishment of the Syrian state just nine days after its secession from the United Arab Republic in 1961.

Challenges and Fluctuations

Despite the close alliance, the relationship faced challenges:

Syria’s President Hafez al-Assad was known for his stubbornness and often pursued Syria’s interests with little regard for the Kremlin’s point of view.

During Gorbachev’s era, there was a reduction in Soviet support. Arms shipments to Syria dropped from $2.4 billion annually (1980-1984) to $1.3 billion annually (1985-1989).

Legacy

The Soviet-Syrian relationship left a lasting impact:

The naval base in Tartus, established in 1971, gave the Soviet Union (and later Russia) a stable presence in the Middle East.

Thousands of Syrian military officers and professionals studied in Russia during Assad’s presidency (1971-2000).

Conclusion

By the late 1980s, with the collapse of the Soviet Union approaching, the intensive relationship effectively came to an end. However, the legacy of this alliance continued to influence Syrian-Russian relations in the post-Soviet era.