Low expectations as Assad regime and Syria’s opposition-rebel delegations resume indirect discussions

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Turkish-Rebel Offensive Captures ISIS-Held Al-Bab

The next round of indirect talks between the Assad regime and Syria’s opposition-rebel bloc opens on Thursday in Geneva, with low expectations of a breakthrough towards resolution of the six-year conflict.

The talks, brokered by Russia and Turkey, were renewed in the Kazakhstan capital Astana in late January. However, they made little progress. The head of the regime delegation, UN Ambassador Bashar al-Ja’afari, labelled the opposition-rebel group “terrorists” and President Assad rejected any transitional process in which he might step aside. The opposition-rebel delegation called for a substantial ceasefire, release of detainees, and end to sieges before discussions of political arrangements began.

Despite a proclamation of a ceasefire by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, pro-Assad forces have continued attacks and bombing, and rebels launched an assault inside Daraa city in southern Syria. The regime has continued to block aid to besieged areas, including this week’s attack upon and looting of a convoy trying to reach al-Wa’er, the last opposition district in Homs city.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Wednesday that he did not expect immediate progress. He said that Russia was expected to “silence their own skies in the areas touched by the ceasefire” and that countries close to the opposition were asked to urge them to lessen provocations.

“Am I expecting a breakthrough? No, I’m not expecting a breakthrough,” de Mistura told a news conference. “But I am expecting and determined for keeping a very pro-active momentum.”

The opposition-rebel delegation, again hoping to expose the regime’s lack of will for any resolution, called for face-to-face negotiations. Spokesman Salem al-Muslet said the group did not want another fruitless round of discussions:

We have experience with this regime. They’re not here to negotiate about a political transition, but they’re here to buy time and commit more crimes in Syria. There’s no trust in this regime.

TOP PHOTO: Opposition-rebel spokesman Osama Abu Zeid speaks with press during late January’s talks in Kazazkhstan capital Astana

Senator McCain Visits Syria, Promotes Fight v. Islamic State

Senator John McCain made an unannounced visit to Syria last week.

McCain has been a long-time supporter of the rebellion against the Assad regime, but his office framed the visit as part of the fight against the Islamic State
Spokeswoman Julie Tarallo said, “Senator McCain traveled to northern Syria last week to visit US forces deployed there and to discuss the counter-ISIL [Islamic State] campaign and ongoing operations to retake Raqqa,” ISIS’s central position in the country.

McCain’s office said the visit was an opportunity “to assess dynamic conditions on the ground” and praised Donald Trump for requesting a review of the US strategy to defeat ISIS.

The trip was McCain’s first to Syria since 2013. Unnamed officials said the Senator spoke with US military officers and Kurdish fighters.

McCain also went to Ankara for discussions with Turkish officials, who have been speaking of Turkish and US support for the assault on Raqqa and arguing against any Kurdish involvement.