It seems so far that this war will never be finished.
Toward the end of the Syrian conundrum
The differences between regional and international actors regarding the future of Syria complicate the problem. The latest example of such a division appeared as a result of a controversial statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in an interview with CBS News on March 15. Following a similar statement earlier by CIA Director John Brennan, Kerry argued that “the U.S. would have to negotiate with al-Assad for a political transition in Syria and is exploring ways to pressure him into agreeing to talks.” Although the U.S. Department of State later clarified Kerry’s remarks and reiterated the U.S.’s policy in Syria, his words generated harsh criticism from Turkish decision makers.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu immediately reacted, reminding the U.S. that Turkey’s priority in Syria is to remove al-Assad and establish an inclusive government. Prime Minister Davutoğlu then likened shaking hands with al-Assad to shaking hands with Hitler. These came just a month after the U.S. and Turkey finally signed an agreement on Feb. 19 to train and equip Syrian opposition groups in Turkey. While the agreement was skimpy about the final objective of the operation, both sides reserved their opinions and the latest exchange once again showed the fragility of alignment between the two countries over Syria.
Since the outbreak of the Arab Spring at the end of 2010, popular uprisings paved the way for regime changes in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen. But many observers underestimated the power of the al-Assad regime in Syria. After four years of bloodshed, he still maintains his grip on power, though he has lost overall control of the country.
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H rriyet Daily News LEADING NEWS SOURCE FOR TURKEY AND THE REGION
Toward the end of the Syrian conundrum
The differences between regional and international actors regarding the future of Syria complicate the problem. The latest example of such a division appeared as a result of a controversial statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in an interview with CBS News on March 15. Following a similar statement earlier by CIA Director John Brennan, Kerry argued that “the U.S. would have to negotiate with al-Assad for a political transition in Syria and is exploring ways to pressure him into agreeing to talks.” Although the U.S. Department of State later clarified Kerry’s remarks and reiterated the U.S.’s policy in Syria, his words generated harsh criticism from Turkish decision makers.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu immediately reacted, reminding the U.S. that Turkey’s priority in Syria is to remove al-Assad and establish an inclusive government. Prime Minister Davutoğlu then likened shaking hands with al-Assad to shaking hands with Hitler. These came just a month after the U.S. and Turkey finally signed an agreement on Feb. 19 to train and equip Syrian opposition groups in Turkey. While the agreement was skimpy about the final objective of the operation, both sides reserved their opinions and the latest exchange once again showed the fragility of alignment between the two countries over Syria.
Since the outbreak of the Arab Spring at the end of 2010, popular uprisings paved the way for regime changes in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen. But many observers underestimated the power of the al-Assad regime in Syria. After four years of bloodshed, he still maintains his grip on power, though he has lost overall control of the country.
Continue reading at:
H rriyet Daily News LEADING NEWS SOURCE FOR TURKEY AND THE REGION
