Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding Sunday that ends Moscow's military use of two strategic Mediterranean coastal bases, a deal analysts describe as a significant strategic setback for Russia that extends well beyond Syria's own borders. The memorandum sets a deadline of no more than three months to complete the transition. Sunday's memorandum, reached after roughly 18 months of negotiation, represents the most significant formal resolution yet of the two countries' dispute over the bases' future. Nanar Hawach, a senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, offered a similar reading of the agreement's significance. Neighboring Arab states that had severed relations with Damascus during Assad's crackdown on protesters have likewise moved to normalize ties.