Russo-American rapprochement in Syria

Moscow and Washington seem to have uncharacteristically reached a compromise in their positions on the issue of a political solution in Syria since Russia intervened militarily in Syria.

The Russo-American rapprochement tests the political flexibility of most regional players.

The Syrian opposition was tested the hardest. Some protagonists might find themselves out of the political scene.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, for example, seems to be one of the victims of this new understanding.

After nearly four years, Fabius announced his decision to step down, criticising the US’ plan for Syria as “ambiguous” and denouncing its absence of a “very strong commitment”, according to Reuters.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also seems to disagree with this new reality, working hard to block any attempt to launch any political settlement in Syria.

The Russian military intervention has pushed Moscow into contact with most of the regional political files that need to be settled: the pending peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, and even a political role in Iraq and Lebanon.

The consequences of postponing Geneva III talks and the change in the international community’s stand vis-à-vis the Syrian crisis will shape any deal on a political settlement for Syria.

The strategic military achievements of the Syrian army on the southern and northern fronts may make the Syrian army a potential candidate for partnering with the international community in its efforts to combat Daesh.

Daesh, the declared enemy of all parties, will logically push the US coalition and Russia to synchronise their efforts to fight the common enemy. Such coordination might influence the position of those who do not agree with a political solution for Syria.

Among the many factors that contributed to the change in the international community’s position are: the crisis in Syria; the changing of priorities and the lack of a real strategy for combating Daesh; the failure of the Syrian fighting groups to achieve strategic victories on the ground; American refusal to engage in any fight on the ground in Syria; the expansion of terrorism; and the waves of refugees invading Europe.

After more than five years of Syrian crisis, it is critical for all parties to realise that if any solution is to be found through mutual understandings, then all parties are obliged to compromise.

Lavrov warned that the failure to arrive at a political solution in Syria would set the stage for military intervention of some powers.

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