Socialist Appeal
The Marxist voice of Labour and youth
A new major ceasefire has been agreed in Syria. But what does it mean for Syria and the Middle East? Hamid Alizadeh discusses the changing balance of power in world relations, which is reflected in this latest deal between the US, Russia, and their proxies
For the first time, Turkey has launched a direct military intervention in Syria, sending tanks and warplanes across the border in a coordinated campaign with Syrian opposition fighters and targeting positions held by ISIS. The failed coup attempt against Erdogan in July has acted to change Turkey's foreign policy in the region, shifting the geo-political landscape and altering the dynamics between Turkey, the USA, and Russia.
Before they have even started, the so-called peace talks about the future of Syria have collapsed. As the balance of forces shifts in the war, none of the parties on the ground have any reason to take serious steps in the talks. All the geopolitical contradictions and tensions are coming to the fore.
The recent execution of Al-Nimr, a Shia cleric leader, by the Saudis highlights the crisis facing the regime. The economy is in a fragile state as the price of oil falls and money is hemorrhaged on regional wars and adventures. Increased repression indicates a fear of the rulers about an impending movement from below.
The downing of a Russian jet in Syria by the Turkish military was clearly a provocation on the part of the Turkish president Erdogan. His aim was to stop an alliance being formed between Russia and the West in Syria. He has achieved the opposite with Turkey now more isolated and the major world powers coming closer to each other.