Turkey, Russia, Iran to Discuss Syrian War Amid Rebel Advances

Turkey, Russia, and Iran will meet in Qatar to discuss a recent rebel advance in the Syrian war during the Doha Forum. The talks will focus on the implications for the civil conflict, particularly following the Islamist rebellion’s capture of Aleppo. The meeting highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for a political resolution among conflicting factions.

This weekend, Turkey, Russia, and Iran are set to convene in Qatar to address a significant rebel advance that has altered the landscape of the prolonged Syrian civil conflict. The talks will occur during the Doha Forum, a prominent annual gathering that encompasses influential figures from diverse sectors across more than 150 nations. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will engage in discussions alongside his Russian and Iranian counterparts under the Astana process, which aims to reach a political resolution relating to the Syrian crisis.

The Astana process, initiated in 2017, seeks to establish peace in Syria, with Russia and Iran supporting President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey backs several opposition factions. Since a ceasefire was brokered in 2020, Assad has regained control over major cities and significant territory. However, the recent offensive by Islamist rebels, specifically Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led to the seizure of Aleppo, represents a startling shift in power dynamics, challenging the previous stability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the urgency to curb aggression towards Assad’s regime during recent communications with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, he stressed Assad’s need to pursue political solutions. Turkey’s long-standing support for the Syrian National Army contrasts with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), compounded by ongoing tensions between the factions as clashes erupted following HTS’s advances.

As Russia shifts its focus to the conflict in Ukraine and Iran grapples with regional instabilities, experts express mixed opinions regarding the potential necessity for compromise among Assad and his supporters. Some analysts believe that HTS’s rapid advances could pressure them into negotiations, while others argue that maintaining control is vital for both countries’ strategic interests in the region. Observations highlight the significance of Syria as a foothold for Russia and part of the Shiite Crescent for Iran, emphasizing their unwillingness to cede ground.

Turkey’s concerns around Kurdish influence in Syria, linked to the PKK organization, remain pertinent. The situation is complicated further by Turkey’s hosting of millions of Syrian refugees, for whom the establishment of a ceasefire may provide conditions favorable for return. The ongoing conflict also sees U.S. troops engaged with the SDF against ISIS remnants, as the Pentagon continues to conduct strikes in response to security threats.

The Syrian civil war, ongoing for thirteen years, has encompassed multiple factions, regional powers, and international interests, with Turkey, Russia, and Iran taking on pivotal roles in shaping its evolution. Initial efforts towards peace led to the launch of the Astana process in 2017, designed to foster dialogue between differing parties. However, recent military developments, including advances by HTS, have significantly disrupted prior arrangements and altered current strategies, necessitating urgent discussions among key stakeholders such as Turkey, Russia, and Iran.

The upcoming discussions between Turkey, Russia, and Iran represent critical engagement in light of escalating tensions in Syria following significant rebel advances. As these nations navigate complex relationships and mutual interests within the Syrian conflict, the path toward potential solutions remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Coordinated efforts to address humanitarian concerns and militaristic strategies are essential to stabilizing the region, ensuring that the longstanding conflict does not exacerbate further.

Original Source: www.voanews.com