Yesterday a conference was held in Aqaba in Jordan to determine the future of Syria. It was attended by representatives of other countries in the region, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, as well as a representative of the European Union and the United States.
At the subsequent press conference, the stress was laid on the importance of the stability of Syria because the stability of the whole region depends upon that. Syria has always been the lynchpin for regional stability. Other parameters expressed were the territorial integrity of Syria, inclusive government, guaranteeing the rights of the monitories of which there are many in Syria. In Syria until now the rights of all minorities were enshrined in the constitution so all they need to do is maintain the status quo.
Each country representative, mainly foreign ministers, spoke. Another aspect which they said was paramount was to ensure that no terrorist groups were active in the country. If they are serious about that, what it means in practice is that all the factions which have now claimed power should be expelled because they are all terrorist organisations.
Sometimes I am amazed at the hypocrisy of politicians. Territorial integrity is a fundamental question and yet, as they spoke, Turkey was backing a rebel group in the north-west of the country combatting the Kurdish forces backed by the US in the north- east. Talk about speaking out of both sides of the mouth!
The EU High Representative for Syria, still wet behind the ears and smiling like a Cheshire cat because this is probably the most high profile foreign assignment of her career, stressed the need for “accountability”. None of the regional representatives mentioned this topic because they know what it means – a bloodbath – but Ms Kallas would appear not to have a clue and was operating from the usual EU position of occupying the “moral high ground”.
The US was not present at the joint press conference. Antony Blinken held his own private press conference accompanied by two US flags, one on either side. Why did he do this? Quite simple. He did not want to be associated with the condemnation of ongoing Israeli expansionism, bombing Damascus and occupying ever more territory. Surely the most powerful man in the US is Benjamin Netanyahu!
If there is this deep and highly public divide at this early stage, what hope is there for Syria? The words were there, but are the intentions coherent with the words? Or is it all talk? Will they be able to walk the talk? The other Arab countries of the region are only too well aware of the consequences for their own countries if Syria dissolves into chaos. Turkey has its own agenda as does the US and the EU is a vassal state. Time will tell…
