Assad Stays – For Now – in Peace Deal Outlined by Russia, Turkey and Iran

Syria will be divided into zones controlled by regional powers according to a new deal outlined by Russia, Turkey and Iran, Reuters reported.

The federal structure would be controlled by the minority Alawite sect that the current president Bashar al-Assad belongs to. Regional autonomy would be granted to the different zones, and Assad himself would only remain president for a few more years, to be replaced with a less controversial Alawite candidate in the next election.

The deal’s details are currently being drawn out and could change. Iran still needs to agree to its premise, sources told Reuters. Assad and the opposing rebel forces would also need to agree to the bill, as well finding accord from the Gulf states and the U.S.

Saudi Arabia should not be allowed to participate in the talks because of their demands that Assad step down, said Iranian defense minister Hossein Dehghan.

New peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition are scheduled to take place mid-January in Kazakhstan. Brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran, the talks currently do not involve the U.S., and are separate from the U.N.-sponsored negotiations.

“I don’t think the Turks and the Russians can do this without us,” an unnamed U.S. official told Reuters.

Previous peace talks brokered by the U.S. and Russia have failed, with cease-fires crumbling, followed by an increase in violence. The most recent halt in hostilities failed in September 2016, and was followed by intense fighting in Aleppo that led to the government’s complete takeover of the city.

Russia and Turkey Accuse the U.S. of Supporting Terrorism in Syria

U.S. policy on Syria has been criticized by Russian and Turkish officials this week as Moscow and Ankara’s views on the embattled country converge.

On Tuesday Reuters reported that Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of funding terrorist groups, including the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) and Kurdish militias. Turkey had previously requested American assistance in fighting ISIS in the northern Syrian city of al-Bab.

“We have confirmed evidence, with pictures, photos and videos,” Erdogan told a press conference in Ankara. The U.S. dismissed the accusation as “ludicrous”, according to the BBC.

Russia criticized a U.S. decision to ease limitations on providing arms to Syrian rebels fighting president Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reported, calling the move a “hostile act”.

The new U.S. defense spending bill, signed by U.S. president Obama last week, would allow rebels access to shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, according to the Russian foreign ministry.

Dismissing Russia’s accusations, U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said: “Our position on MANPADS [Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems] has not changed. We have a very deep concern about that kind of weaponry getting into Syria.”

Clashes, Airstrikes Intensify in Damascus Suburbs

Government airstrikes on rebel-held neighborhoods in the Damascus suburbs continued on Wednesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

One man was killed and at least 15 other injured, with casualties expected to rise, in airstrikes on Douma. Twenty-three air raids targeted suburbs in Wadi Barada as rebels and pro-government forces continued to clash there.

RECOMMENDED READS:

• Al Monitor: Rojava Leader: Turkey Cannot Stop Kurds From Advancing in Syria
• The National: Rebel-Held Idlib a Tempting But Difficult Target for Syrian Regime
• The Associated Press: U.N. Resolution Could Sanction Syrians for Chemical Attacks
• Vice News: The Next Aleppo?
• Pulse: To “Leftist” Admirers of Assad’s Syria