Russia building naval base in Syria - report

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3258131,00.html

Russian magazine reports Moscow planning to turn Syrian port into permanent naval base; Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson denies report

Vera Yadidya

Russian magazine Kommersant reported Friday that the Russian army is laying the groundwork for building the Syrian port of Tartus, in the north of the country. snip

Vladimir Zimin, a senior economic advisor at the Russian Embassy in Damascus, confirmed the plans to the magazine.

The move was said to be part of Russia's effort to boost its influence in the Middle East and safeguard Syria. snip

Russian military engineers will install an air defense system with S-300PMU-2 Favorit ballistic missiles at the port to protect Russian naval ships, the magazine reported.

Thanks George -- you've turned the whole world into a garrison state...