Turkey, Russia, Iran to Hold Talks on Syrian Conflict Amid Rebel Advances
Turkey, Russia, and Iran will meet in Qatar to discuss the implications of the recent rebel offensive in Syria, which has captured Aleppo and threatened other key cities. The discussion comes amidst a backdrop of past efforts through the Astana process to stabilize Syria politically. The meeting highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the challenge of achieving lasting peace in the region as external powers navigate their strategic interests.
This weekend, Turkey, Russia, and Iran will convene in Qatar during the Doha Forum to address recent developments in the Syrian conflict, particularly a significant rebel advance that has shifted the dynamics on the ground. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to engage with his Russian and Iranian counterparts to discuss the ongoing situation under the Astana process—an initiative aimed at politically resolving the civil war, which began in 2011.
The Astana process was initiated in 2017, bringing together Russia, Turkey, and Iran—countries with competing interests in Syria. Russia and Iran are staunch supporters of President Bashar al-Assad, whereas Turkey backs certain opposition factions. A ceasefire crafted through their cooperation in 2020 had stabilized many regions of Syria, leaving Assad with control over major cities and vast territories.
However, the recent offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured Aleppo and is advancing on Hama and Homs, has raised alarms among the involved nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the necessity to quell this aggression and restore stability. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity while highlighting the importance of a political solution involving the Assad government.
The shift in military power has inevitably led to confrontations between rival factions, indicating a potential escalation of hostilities. Attention is drawn to Russia’s shifting focus due to its military engagements in Ukraine, and Iran’s weakened position amid ongoing conflicts involving its forces in Lebanon and Gaza. Despite the challenging circumstances, former U.S. officials express skepticism about the likelihood of Assad’s regime conceding power, with both Russia and Iran eager to maintain their strategic footholds in the region.
Turkey’s position is underscored by its apprehensions regarding Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, which it views as a threat tied to the PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. This situation remains delicate, especially with Turkey hosting millions of Syrian refugees, as it seeks conditions for their safe return. Observers note that the liberation of Aleppo could facilitate the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of refugees, provided stability is restored.
The United States has intensified actions to support its allies, notably in northeastern Syria, where the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are engaged against Assad’s regime. American officials emphasize that recent mobile offensives should be attributed to Assad’s reluctance to initiate a political process. Concerns over a resurgence of ISIS amid the chaos further complicate the evolving conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of preventing the revival of the jihadist threat, as conditions in Syria remain precarious.
The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has seen multiple foreign powers intervene due to the complex web of alliances and conflicts. The Astana process was an initiative to mediate the conflict, bringing together Turkey, Russia, and Iran, each aligning with various factions and interests. The civil war has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, creating a humanitarian crisis while also affecting regional dynamics. Over the years, Russia has been instrumental in supporting the Assad regime through military intervention, while Iran has provided both military and logistical support. Turkey’s engagement has been primarily driven by security concerns regarding Kurdish groups, which it perceives as linked to separatist movements within its borders. Underlying all these actions are the respective geopolitical strategies aimed at preserving influence and control over a crucial region.
In conclusion, the upcoming trilateral meeting in Qatar symbolizes the ongoing complexity of the Syrian conflict and the shifting alliances among key players. The recent offensive by HTS has not only altered the military landscape but has also heightened the urgency for diplomatic dialogue among Russia, Turkey, and Iran. The political future of Syria remains intricate, with competing interests on all sides amid a backdrop of humanitarian concerns and regional security dynamics, necessitating continued international attention and engagement.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
