Iraq is set to host talks between Syria and Turkey in Baghdad, as announced by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Saturday. The meeting aims to address the ongoing Syrian crisis and improve relations between Damascus and Ankara.
Speaking from Washington, Hussein stated, “Iraq is taking the initiative to mediate between Ankara and Damascus, and communication between the two sides is ongoing.” He emphasised that the decision to mediate was “Iraqi” and that Iraq “does not take its cue from others in its domestic or foreign policies.”
Meanwhile, Syria has outlined conditions for normalising relations with Turkey. In a statement on Saturday, the Syrian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry stressed that “any initiative to returning relations between Syria and Turkey must be built on clear foundations that ensure the desired results.”
These conditions include the withdrawal of what Syria refers to as “illegally present forces” from Syrian territory. While not explicitly stated, this refers to the Turkish military presence in Kurdish-majority northern Syria, which Turkey justifies as necessary for its security but Syria views as a violation of its sovereignty.
Syria also called for addressing the issue of what it terms “terrorist groups” threatening both Syrian and Turkish security. It is worth noting that Syria and Turkey often have differing views on which groups fall under this category, particularly in respect of some Syrian opposition groups.
The Syrian statement emphasised that the return to normal relations should be based on the situation that prevailed before 2011, which it considers “the basis for the security, safety and stability of the two countries.”
Syria also expressed “gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly countries that are making sincere efforts to correct the Syrian-Turkish relations,” referring to mediators such as Iraq and potentially Russia.
The Kurdish side, on the other hand, could not be more cautious regarding the rapprochement between Syria and Turkey. The Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has denounced the potential reconciliation, labelling it a “major conspiracy” against the Syrian people. They argued that such an agreement could legitimise what they view as the Turkish occupation of Syrian territory and potentially undermine the position of the autonomous administration. The AANES stressed the importance of their self-administration system as “the best option for the unity of Syria and its people,” and called for national dialogue to address the issues of the Turkish presence in Syria.
This development marks a significant step in regional diplomacy, with Iraq taking a central role in mediating between Syria and Turkey. The coming talks in Baghdad could potentially lead to a shift in the dynamics of the long-standing Syrian crisis and regional security, though significant challenges remain, given the complex history and differing perspectives of the parties involved.
