The Syrian conflict took a dramatic turn this weekend as rebel forces achieved significant victories, capturing key cities and threatening the capital, Damascus. This rapid advance prompted an urgent meeting in Doha, Qatar, bringing together top diplomats from Russia, Turkey, and Iran – three nations deeply involved in the Syrian conflict – to address the escalating crisis.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, following discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Turkey’s Hakan Fidan, announced an agreement to initiate “political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups.” However, the optimism expressed in the meeting statement stands in stark contrast to the grim realities on the ground.
Before the trilateral talks, Araghchi revealed having held “very frank and direct” conversations with both his Turkish counterpart and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized the inadmissibility of the rebel groups’ territorial gains, asserting that such actions violate existing agreements, including UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which firmly supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The Astana process, involving Russia, Turkey, and Iran since 2017, aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict, now faces its most significant challenge yet. Rebel forces have seized control of Aleppo and Hama, two major Syrian cities, and are reportedly closing in on Homs. The rebel advance has been swift and decisive, raising concerns about the stability of the entire region.
Adding to the escalating tension, rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani claimed that rebel forces have begun the “final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus.” This assertion, however, was immediately refuted by the Syrian defense ministry, which denied any troop withdrawals from the Damascus countryside. The conflicting reports highlight the challenges in obtaining accurate information amidst the ongoing conflict.
Further complicating the situation, Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shiite militant group, has deployed over 2,000 fighters to Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad’s government. A source close to Hezbollah confirmed the deployment to the Qusayr area, emphasizing that the fighters are focused on defensive positions and haven’t yet engaged in direct combat with the rebels.
The rapid escalation of the Syrian conflict, punctuated by the dramatic rebel advances and the high-stakes diplomatic efforts, paints a picture of a region teetering on the brink. The outcome of the political dialogue remains uncertain, as the battle for Syria’s future continues to rage on the ground.
