Sat Dec 07 07:06:55 UTC 2024: ## Turkey, Russia, and Iran to Meet Amid Syrian Civil War Resurgence

**Istanbul, December 7, 2024** – Renewed fighting in Syria has prompted a high-stakes meeting between the foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia, and Iran in Doha on Saturday. The three nations, partners in the Astana process aimed at ending the Syrian civil war, find themselves grappling with a shifting power dynamic following recent rebel advances.

Syrian opposition fighters have made significant gains, seizing the city of Hama. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope for the rebels’ continued success, even openly stating their objective is Damascus. This stance, however, is fraught with both opportunity and risk for Turkey, which shares a long border with Syria and hosts millions of Syrian refugees.

While Turkey denies direct involvement in the offensive, analysts suggest Ankara implicitly supported the rebel push, despite complex relations with the leading Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The key Turkish objective is reportedly to establish a stable Syria that allows for the safe return of refugees. This has led to a softening of Turkey’s stance on President Bashar al-Assad’s removal, as such a move could empower the Islamic State group and Kurdish militants.

Assad’s rejection of Erdogan’s overtures for a meeting, demanding the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northwestern Syria first, has reportedly irritated even Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. This, combined with Assad’s perceived lack of support following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, has created widespread discontent amongst regional players.

Experts believe the Doha meeting, bringing together Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, could mark a turning point. The potential outcome includes a transitional government that incorporates elements of Assad’s regime and the opposition. The meeting’s significance is heightened by Fidan’s extensive experience in Syrian affairs. The situation remains fluid, with the precise role of Turkey and the ultimate fate of Assad’s regime still uncertain.

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