The fall of Damascus marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian conflict, diminishing Russian influence and elevating Turkey’s role. Diplomatic efforts by Russia and Iran were rendered irrelevant as Assad’s regime collapsed, leading to Turkey’s potential dominance in shaping a new governance structure amid the chaos.
In a dramatic turn of events, the fall of Damascus has sidelined Russia and enhanced Turkey’s prominence in the ongoing Syrian crisis. Following celebratory gunfire across liberated regions of Syria, diplomatic discussions involving key players—Russia, Iran, and Turkey—at a forum in Doha became moot as reports of regime change surfaced just hours later. Attempts to negotiate a political solution and prevent military escalations were overshadowed by the swift collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, rendering previous diplomatic efforts irrelevant.
At the forum, foreign ministers from Russia and Iran voiced concerns about Assad’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue with Turkey, which supports opposing military forces in Syria. The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, during an uneasy on-stage interview, struggled to justify the Kremlin’s failure in Syria, ultimately deflecting questions about the future of Assad and the political transition mandated by UN resolution 2254. His discomfort was palpable, particularly as he was forced to acknowledge the dire consequences if Syria plunged into chaos akin to Libya and Iraq.
In stark contrast, the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, approached the moment with a sense of opportunity for Turkey. Given the collapse of Assad’s regime, Turkey could potentially play a pivotal role in facilitating the formation of a new Syrian government through its connections with local militias. This newfound power imposes a significant responsibility upon Turkey to guide Syria toward a stable and consensus-driven governance.
As the political landscape in Syria undergoes a substantial shift, both Russia and Iran face a precarious future in the region. The ramifications of Assad’s fall are profound, potentially reshaping alliances and power dynamics in the Middle East as Turkey emerges as a leading external actor.
The Syrian conflict has seen numerous changes in power dynamics over the past decade. Russia and Iran have historically supported Bashar al-Assad’s regime, employing military support and political backing to maintain his rule. Conversely, Turkey has aligned itself with opposition forces, leading to tensions with the Assad administration. Recent developments indicate a significant transformation in control and influence within Syria, particularly with the potential for Turkey to assert greater authority following the fall of Assad.
The swift capitulation of Bashar al-Assad’s regime represents a critical turning point in the Syrian conflict, diminishing Russia’s influence while amplifying Turkey’s role in regional politics. The inability of Russia and Iran to maintain control highlights the unpredictability of the situation on the ground, as well as the urgent need for a renewed commitment to diplomatic engagement among external powers. Turkey’s positioning now carries the weight of responsibility to foster a stable political environment amidst ongoing turmoil.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
