Russia, Iran, and Turkey Continue Dividing the Syrian Cake in Astana 22

Russia, Iran, and Turkey Continue Dividing the Syrian Cake in Astana 22
The trilateral talks highlight a stark model of dividing spheres of influence in Syria among regional powers that ignore Syrian aspirations, reflecting a painful scene of continued external guardiansh
November 11, 2024, 8:32 pm

الأستانة

In the Kazakh capital on Monday, chapters of the well-known play called "Astana" talks continued in its 22nd version between the powers controlling the Syrian scene (Russia, Iran, and Turkey), amid blatant disregard for Syrians' rights.

These two-day political maneuvers continue under Russian planning and coordination with Ankara and Tehran, to discuss "expected changes in US policy toward Syria under President-elect Donald Trump," according to statements by Russian envoy Alexander Lavrentiev.

Regional interests dominate the agenda, especially amid the expansion of the Gaza war toward Lebanon and repeated Israeli strikes on Syria, while continuing to marginalize the Kurdish issue and minority rights.

Lavrentiev emerged as a coordinator of the three countries' interests, ignoring Syrian people's demands for freedom and democracy. Concerns are growing about exploiting potential changes in US policy to tighten control over Kurdish areas, especially with the possibility of US forces withdrawing from eastern Syria.

The participating delegations continue their meetings, perpetuating the policy of excluding major components of the Syrian fabric from determining their fate.

Since its launch in 2017, the Astana format has represented a model of external guardianship over Syria, where Russia, Iran, and Turkey share influence and interests, ignoring the rights of the Syrian people in all their components to determine their destiny.

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