The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia met in Doha to address the shifting dynamics in Syria, following significant gains by anti-regime forces. Agreements to initiate political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups were discussed, while concerns about the potential regional implications of the ongoing conflict were raised.
In Doha, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Russia convened to discuss the evolving situation in Syria, where anti-regime factions have launched a significant offensive. Following talks held during the Doha Forum, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a consensus on initiating political dialogues between the Syrian government and recognized opposition groups. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts since 2017 under the Astana format to find a political resolution to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
However, recent events have escalated tensions, marked by swift territorial gains made by the opposition against President Bashar al-Assad’s government. A commander from the opposition reported that their forces were encircling the capital, although the Syrian defense ministry disputed claims of army withdrawals near Damascus.
Prior to the Doha meeting, Mr. Araghchi engaged in discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, characterizing their conversations as “very frank and direct.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed hopes that the advances made by anti-regime forces would proceed without incident, emphasizing the strategic importance of their efforts in Damascus.
The recent resurgence of opposition forces began with a counteroffensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other groups on November 27, swiftly securing territories in Aleppo and Hama. Concurrently, the Syrian National Army has countered the YPG terrorist group in areas east of the Euphrates. During a press conference, Mr. Araghchi stated that the ongoing hostilities in Syria pose a broader threat to neighboring regions, underscoring the potential spillover effects in Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey.
The Syrian conflict, which has persisted since 2011, remains one of the most complex geopolitical crises in the Middle East. Various actors, including state and non-state groups, have been involved in the struggle for power, influenced by external support and interventions. The Astana process, initiated in 2017, aims to facilitate dialogue and a political resolution among key stakeholders, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia. Recent developments, particularly the activism of anti-regime forces, have shifted the dynamics, provoking renewed discussions among these countries about the future of Syria and regional stability.
The recent meeting in Doha among Turkish, Iranian, and Russian officials reflects a critical juncture in the ongoing Syrian conflict. With the anti-regime forces gaining significant ground, there is an urgent need for political dialogue and strategic cooperation to navigate this evolving landscape. While the Astana process has sought to mediate the complex relations at play, the escalation of military actions presents a formidable challenge not only for Syria but also for its neighboring nations.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
