The intensification of great power rivalry in Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe has resulted in post-crisis regional initiatives becoming more prominent in the region ravaged by the wave of the Arab Spring. When the United States of America (USA) began to pursue a policy that did not see the Middle East as a top priority while maintaining its military presence in the region, the states in the region turned to seeking America-free solutions, albeit with certain limits. Given the military, political and humanitarian crisis persists even though the war fronts have been dulled, the steps taken to bring Syria back into the regional politics are among the most obvious results of the search for regional solutions. The easing of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, is another normalization process that contributes to the normalization process in Syria.
While Washington and Tel Aviv’s objections to the rapprochement of Iran and Syria with regional countries remain persistent, in an increasingly multipolar environment the visibility of more independent state policies in the region is a new phenomenon. The reluctance to participate in sanctions in the Ukraine war can also be considered in this context.
This international environment certainly offers opportunities for Damascus as it seeks to consolidate its sovereignty and return to the pre-crisis situation. The waves of normalization that will pave the way for Syria’s reconstruction are only at the beginning of the process, even if they provide Syria with diplomatic spaces.
We discussed the short-term results of Syria’s normalization initiatives with Mucib Rahman Dandan, a lawyer and three-term member of the Syrian parliament.
According to Dandan, originally from Manbij in Aleppo, the YPG is an American-Israeli project. Dandan, who has lost many family members in clashes with the US-backed SDF/PYD/YPG, believes Turkey’s security concerns must be addressed. However, the Syrian MP reminds that the withdrawal of the Turkish army from Syria is a condition of Damascus.
As Turkey is in the midst of electing a new government, it is worth remembering how politicians in Damascus view the resolution of the crisis. Regardless of which bloc wins the elections, Syria, refugees and border security concerns will remain Turkey’s top priority in the near and medium term.
We sent five questions in writing to Mucib Rahman Dandan, a member of the Syrian People’s Assembly’s Complaints Committee and the Constitutional and Legal Committee. We present the answers we received to your attention.
- Does Syria’s return to the Arab League mean that the Syrian crisis is over?
Syria’s return to the Arab League is an important step in the right direction to end the Syrian crisis by unifying visions and bridging the gap in inter-Arab relations. But this return is not enough. We need regional and global support to end the crisis in Syria and its consequences.
- How will relations with Turkey take shape from now on? Why is Syria rapidly normalizing with the Arab world while normalization with Turkey is delayed
Syria seeks a normal and privileged relationship with Turkey on the basis of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and respect for national sovereignty, based on geographical neighborhood, shared history and kinship. In this regard, we demand the withdrawal of foreign forces, including the Turkish army, from Syrian territory, contributing to the return of refugees to their lands and homes, and consolidation of positions to combat terrorist organizations that threaten Turkey’s security. In this context, we express our optimism that the talks between the authorities of the two countries will lead to positive results in the interests of both countries and their people.
- Will there be any change or differentiation in Iran-Syria relations after Syria’s return to the Arab League?
Syrian-Iranian relations are constantly developing as a strong and strategic relationship, and as we all know, Syria has always had a privileged and historical role in the Arab-Iranian rapprochement that has led to the stability and development of the region. Therefore, Syria’s return to the Arab League is not at the expense of Syrian-Iranian relations.
- Will the groups calling themselves “opposition” and emerging as the Syrian opposition have a place in the future of Syria and Syrian politics?
The opposition is necessary in all countries because it corrects the actions of the ruling authority. Therefore, the door is open to any national opposition that contributes positively to the construction and development of the country. The weight of any group or party always depends on its actual presence in the field and its popularity among citizens who have the right to choose who represents them.
- Where are the relations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (PYD/YPG) going and is there any possibility of reconciliation between Damascus and this entity?
We see the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a tool of the Zionist-American partition project in the region that threatens the territorial integrity of Syria and neighboring countries. Therefore, in my opinion, what needs to be done is to put an end to the existence of such projects and separatist organizations. This can only come true through the cooperation of the countries in the region. Otherwise, if they succeed, the price of such projects will be heavy.
