• Home
• /
• Opinion

Gulf countries should have a say on future of Syria

Iraqi forces have captured the border town of Rawa from Daesh, which officially marks an end to the territorial rule of the terrorist group. Vast swathes of Iraq and Syria, which were proclaimed as a caliphate in 2014, are now free. It certainly calls for celebration but this victory is just the beginning of a long drawn struggle to rebuild what is left of cities in Iraq and Syria after years of loot and destruction. The rise and fall of Daesh and changed political equations is a reminder of the altering geopolitics in the region. Russia, Turkey and Iran are sending strong signals that they hold more influence here. Questions abound on how this new alliance would affect the region. Who will wield more control? And what would it mean for regional security? Would it stoke instability and plunge the region into further chaos, if left unchallenged? Chances are yes. Even though the US military played a major role in purging the extremist group from Iraq and Syria, Washington has handed over the baton to Russia in the Middle East.

The meeting in Sochi between Russia, Iran and Turkey is an important diplomatic move with dangerous consequences. Over the last year, the US has been left out in the cold. With this meeting, the group of three is even bypassing the UN, and riding roughshod over the Geneva pact and other key initiatives that aim to find a solution to the political crisis in Syria. The country is in dire straits as the Bashar Al Assad regime continues to commit war crimes and subjugates its people. Quick fixes and papering over the ruins are temporary measures. Peace in Syria will not be complete if negotiations do not happen between all stakeholders. The opposition still deserves a seat at the table, but they have been shunned, and their cause appears lost as the victors write the future of Syria, on their terms. Then there is Iran, which has created the most instability in the region using its militias and proxies. Iranian clout in Syria should be countered, and Washington and the Gulf countries should have a say on how Syria is governed in the future, with or without Assad. There can be no enduring peace without Gulf and Arab countries on board. Russia has informed Saudi Arabia of Syria talks but consultations are not enough. Free and frank discussions are called for. Moscow should heed the warnings on Iran, an untrustworthy ally, or the ground could slip under its feet.