Turkey, Russia, and Iran to Discuss Syrian Conflict Dynamics in Qatar

Turkey, Russia, and Iran will meet in Qatar to discuss the implications of recent rebel gains in Syria, especially the capture of Aleppo by HTS. This meeting is part of the Astana process designed to promote political resolutions to the civil war amidst shifting military dynamics and the involvement of U.S. forces in counter-ISIS operations.

Turkey, Russia, and Iran are scheduled to convene in Qatar this weekend to address the recent advances made by rebel groups in Syria, which significantly shift the dynamics of the ongoing civil conflict. This meeting will occur during the Doha Forum, a prestigious gathering that brings together influential figures from various sectors to deliberate on global issues.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan of Turkey is set to engage with his counterparts from Russia and Iran in discussions framed by the Astana process, a diplomatic initiative launched in 2017 to promote political resolutions to the conflict. While Turkey supports some rebel factions, Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, highlighting their longstanding cooperation over the Syrian war.

The situation escalated dramatically last week when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist faction, captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and advanced toward Hama and Homs. The conventional military strategies of previous years face fresh challenges as the delicate balance of power shifts amidst renewed fighting and territorial gains by HTS.

Amidst ongoing clashes, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reasserted support for Syria’s territorial integrity while urging Assad’s government to seek political solutions. Turkey remains vigilant about Kurds in northeastern Syria, fearing the emergence of a Kurdish entity linked to the PKK, a terrorist organization designated by the U.S.

The heightened tensions create a complex environment for external powers engaged in the conflict. Russia’s military focus has shifted, influenced by its actions in Ukraine, and Iran continues to face challenges from Israeli operations against its interests in the region. Despite this, key experts caution that neither Moscow nor Tehran appears ready to abandon Assad, though the circumstances may necessitate compromises as HTS’s advances reshape the battlefield.

The United States has renewed its military engagements in northeastern Syria as well, launching strikes against Syrian government forces while emphasizing a commitment to support local forces in their fight against ISIS. The Biden administration views the resurgence of ISIS amidst the Syrian turmoil as a significant concern, urging preventative measures to ensure the group does not regain its former strength.

The ongoing civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has seen complex engagements from various international actors, each with differing allegiances. Turkey, Russia, and Iran have notably formed a coalition of sorts through the Astana process aimed at negotiating a political resolution to the conflict, despite their divergent interests. Recent escalations by rebel factions, particularly HTS, signal a potential shift in power dynamics, prompting international discussions aimed at addressing these developments and launching potential strategies to stabilize the region.

The upcoming talks in Qatar represent a critical juncture in the Syrian civil war, as involved parties navigate the complex and evolving landscape marked by recent rebel advancements. While attempts at diplomatic solutions persist, the entrenched positions of the various stakeholders complicate the prospect of achieving sustainable stability. As regional tensions mount, international actors remain concerned about larger implications for peace, security, and the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Original Source: www.voanews.com