The peace talks in Astana have given Turkey greater room for activity in Syria but also tie Turkey more firmly to that conflict.
- While neither the regime nor rebel groups appear to have changed their approach significantly following the Astana talks, Turkey has become a guarantor country.
- This sets clearer terms for Turkey’s engagement in Syria and thus gives it more freedom to pursue its agenda.
- Public opinion currently appears supportive of the government’s proactive approach to security, but maintaining this will require a concerted messaging campaign, bringing its own complications.
The peace talks on the Syrian conflict in Astana were met with mixed responses by international commentators. There was praise for Iran, Russia and Turkey agreeing on a three-way monitoring mechanism, making clearer all three’s responsibility for their proxies and partners. There was scepticism that these talks did little more than previous unsuccessful talks. There was also criticism, as the shaky cease fire established in the run-up to the talks barely lasted their duration. In Turkey, the press generally reacted positively to their government appearing to take charge of the situation in Syria. With the conflict raging…
To receive the full briefing, please click here to subscribe or become a CEFTUS member.
A basic subscription, starting from £20/month, entitles subscribers to daily news digests and weekly analytical briefings on current affairs in Turkey.
Basic membership, starting from £90/month, provides members with a subscription, other products, as well as access to all CEFTUS’ exclusive roundtable events, typically priced at £50/event.
To commission analytical work on Turkey, Iran, Iraq or Syria, or should you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
02 February 2017
Photo credit: zamanalwsl.net