From Andy Young, Siberian Light:  The Russian Navy has confirmed that its aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, will visit the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia has its only Mediterranean naval base.

The Kuznetsov and its small supporting battle group is currently in port in Murmansk and Severomorsk, but will shortly set sail for the Mediterranean. As well as Tartus, the Kuznetsov is scheduled to visit Beirut, Genoa and Cyprus. . . .

It’s unlikely that the Kuznetsov will reach Syria before early 2012 (it’s a long way from Murmansk to the Eastern Med), by which time events may have moved on, but it seems as though Russia is hardening its position on Syria at a time when the rest of the world is beginning to go the other way. Even China seems to be weakening its support for Assad’s regime somewhat, saying recently that it supported the Arab League’s decision to suspend Syria’s membership.  (photo: naval-technology.com)  (via Joshua Kucera)

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