The top diplomats of Türkiye, Iran, and Russia met in Doha to discuss Syria amid significant gains by anti-regime forces. They agreed on initiating political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition. Changes in the battlefield, particularly the counteroffensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have raised concerns over regional security and the need for diplomatic resolution.
In Doha, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Iran, and Russia convened to discuss the evolving situation in Syria, where anti-regime forces have recently made significant territorial gains. During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced an agreement to initiate political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups. This dialogue aims to address the ongoing conflict that has persisted since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
The discussions arose in light of a counteroffensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other opposition factions, which began on November 27. Their rapid advance has encircled Aleppo and approached Damascus, leading the Syrian defense ministry to deny claims of army withdrawals. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed hope for the continued success of anti-regime forces.
Notably, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Syria has shifted, with Qatar, which initially backed opposition forces, emphasizing the need for a negotiated resolution to the conflict. The Iranian foreign ministry has cautioned that the offensive poses broader regional threats, impacting neighboring countries, including Iraq, Jordan, and Türkiye. These developments underline the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Syria and the region.
The Syrian civil war, which escalated from protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, has seen extensive international involvement, with multiple nations supporting various factions. Türkiye, Iran, and Russia established the Astana process in 2017, aiming to regulate the diplomatic solution to the conflict and progress towards a political settlement. Recently, the dynamics have shifted as anti-regime forces, bolstered by recent offensives, have gained control of significant territories, challenging the long-standing dominance of Assad and his allies. This change has necessitated renewed discussions among key stakeholders.
The meeting of Iranian, Turkish, and Russian officials in Doha marks a critical moment in addressing the shifting landscape of the Syrian conflict. As the opposition gains ground, the emphasis on political negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition groups could herald a new phase in efforts to achieve lasting peace. The situation remains complex and fraught with implications for broader regional stability.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
