The recent fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has rendered the diplomatic efforts of Russia and Iran ineffective, while Turkey stands to gain influence in shaping the country’s future. As regional dynamics shift, the possibility of establishing a legitimate governance structure emerges, highlighting the urgent need for a political resolution amidst the ongoing civil conflict.
As celebratory gunfire erupted in the liberated areas of Syria, the critical diplomatic discussions held by Iran and Russia in Doha became redundant. Just hours prior, these external powers, along with Turkey, had appealed for an end to military operations and a concerted political dialogue concerning Syria’s future. However, their efforts proved futile as news broke out that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had fallen. The rapid shift rendered diplomats from Russia and Iran seemingly powerless, as they confronted the stark reality of Assad’s refusal to change course amidst escalating tensions with Turkish-backed forces.
During the summit proceedings, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faced growing discomfort while addressing inquiries regarding Russia’s decade-long involvement in Syria. His frustrations peaked as he distanced himself from any admission of failure, focusing instead on shifting the conversation towards Ukraine and its implications for Russian military dominance. Despite underscoring Assad’s role in countering terrorism, Lavrov’s remarks failed to convince critics, particularly in light of numerous vetoes from Russia aimed at shielding Assad from international accountability.
On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attempted to maintain a façade of stability for Assad, articulating a consensus on Syria’s territorial integrity. Yet, he exhibited signs of distress, indicative of the diminishing Iranian influence in the region following a series of unsuccessful attempts to rally support for Assad from neighboring Iraq. With the potential collapse of its strategic corridor across Syria to Lebanon, Iran’s long-standing engagement in the conflict appears to be faltering rapidly.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, while noticeably understated, stands to capitalize on Assad’s downfall, positioning Turkey as a key player among the Syrian opposition. With sufficient resources and connections to various militia groups, Turkey holds the potential to facilitate the establishment of a legitimate governing body that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian populace. As the geopolitical landscape shifts dramatically, the implications of Assad’s fall will undeniably reverberate across the region, with Turkey potentially emerging as an influential architect of Syria’s post-conflict governance.
Syria has been engulfed in a bloody civil war since 2011, with various external powers engaged in the conflict on different sides. Russia and Iran have been strong allies of the Assad regime, providing military and diplomatic support over the years. Conversely, Turkey has backed opposition factions, hoping to counter the growing influence of Kurdish groups in the region. Recently, a significant diplomatic meeting took place to address the ongoing conflict, yet internal developments rapidly outpaced these discussions, culminating in Assad’s unexpected fall.
The swift downfall of Bashar al-Assad marks a significant turning point in the Syrian civil war, rendering previous diplomatic efforts by Russia and Iran ineffective. With Turkey poised to assume a pivotal role in shaping Syria’s future governance, the geopolitical dynamics within the region are set for transformative changes. As previous supporters of Assad reassess their strategies, the possibility of a new political dialogue emerges amid the ongoing quest for stability and resolution in Syria.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
