The upcoming Doha meeting is seen as a critical juncture for the Syrian conflict, with potential implications for regional power dynamics.
Both Russia and Iran are under pressure to reassess their support for the Assad regime amidst changing military realities.
The Syrian opposition's recent military successes may lead to further territorial gains unless diplomatic solutions are reached.
The outcome of the Doha meeting could lead to either increased military support for the Assad regime or a shift in strategy from Russia and Iran.
If the Syrian government continues to lose ground, it may prompt a more aggressive response from Moscow and Tehran to prevent a complete collapse.
The dynamics of the Syrian conflict may shift significantly, depending on the positions taken by Turkey during the Doha discussions.
Analysts Predict Pivotal Doha Meeting for Syrian Crisis
Political analysts are closely watching an upcoming meeting in Doha, Qatar, involving Russia, Iran, and Turkey, which they believe will be crucial in determining the future of Syria. The Syrian government is currently facing a significant crisis, largely due to a decline in military support from Moscow and Tehran. The recent capture of Hama military airport by the Syrian armed opposition marks a critical shift in the conflict, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
Analyst Ammar Al-Waqqad noted that the Syrian army has suffered considerable losses while trying to maintain control, particularly following the unexpected fall of Aleppo. He emphasized that the current military developments are accelerating, making it difficult to predict future outcomes. Both Russia and Iran appear to be imposing conditions on the Assad regime, seeking to leverage their support in exchange for concessions. Al-Waqqad warned that the fall of the Syrian government would represent a significant setback for both Moscow and Tehran, undermining their influence in the Middle East.
Implications of the Doha Meeting
Omar Bush, another political analyst, stressed that the Doha meeting could serve as a turning point, potentially replacing the Astana process, which has become less relevant due to recent military changes. He expressed skepticism about the Syrian regime's ability to negotiate effectively, given its weakened position. Both Russia and Iran are preoccupied with other regional challenges, which may limit their capacity to support Assad as they have in the past.
Bush also pointed out that the military offensive by the opposition was not initially aimed at capturing Hama, suggesting that the collapse of government forces facilitated this advance. He warned that unless a resolution is reached in Doha, the opposition's operations could extend to other regions, such as Homs. The analysts agree that the outcome of the Doha meeting will significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict in Syria, particularly if Moscow and Tehran continue to view the opposition solely as terrorist groups.
