Erdogan Optimistic About Syrian Opposition's Progress
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed optimism regarding the ongoing advances of Syrian opposition forces, stating that their goal is to capture the capital, Damascus. He noted that the opposition's efforts have been progressing in key regions such as Idlib, Hama, and Homs, with hopes that this momentum continues without issues. Erdogan remarked, "Idlib, Hama, Homs and of course the goal is Damascus... The opposition's advance is continuing. We hope that this advance will continue without any problems."
Erdogan's comments come amid a backdrop of strained relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Despite Erdogan's attempts to initiate a reconciliation process with Assad under Russian mediation, he reported receiving no positive response. He stated, "I told him, 'Come on, let's meet to discuss Syria's future together,' but I didn't receive any positive response from Assad."
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Ongoing Conflict
In light of the evolving situation, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to meet with his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Doha, Qatar, to discuss the developments in Syria as part of the Astana meetings framework. This dialogue is crucial given Turkey's extensive border with Syria, spanning over 900 kilometers, and the presence of approximately 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, which has become a significant domestic political issue.
Since late November, Syrian opposition forces have engaged in intense clashes with regime forces, successfully entering the city of Aleppo on November 29 and subsequently expanding their control over Idlib province. By December 5, they had also taken control of Hama and several cities in central Homs province, including Rastan and Talbiseh. The opposition factions are determined to overthrow Assad, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
