Syrian Hustle: Fear and Dear Friends

Last week's hustle about and around Syria. The most important events in chronological order. On Monday Syrian troops took back an airport close to the recently freed from ISIS Aleppo. Syria, March 6, 2017 They also kicked out ISIS barbarians out of Jazal oil chambers, west of Palmyra. Its capacity is 3-5 barrels a day. The terrorists are on the run. Tuesday Chiefs of Staff Meeting between Turkey, Russia and USA was held in Turkish Antalya. Generals Gerasimov, Akar and Dunford were present. We have no details but the very fact of the meeting is important. Same day, the British Times reported Russian and American troops jointly patrolling the outskirts of the same Syrian town, Manbij. The troops were only 5 miles apart. There is no direct contact between the two, but... newspapers see this as a new geopolitical reality, like it's similar to the link-up on the Elbe. They even published a photo from 1945, where Americans and Russians shake hands. On Thursday the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived in Moscow just for a few hours to see Putin. According to him, Putin and he are quite friendly. This is his 4th visit to Moscow within the past 18 months. In December alone they spoke on the phone 4 times. The reason for this snap-visit to Moscow was fear. Fear of Iran settling in Syria, in Netanyahu's words. This means bordering with Syria's neighbor, Israel. Iran truly does substantially help Syria in fighting off pseudo-Khilafat barbarians. But as a result, it enforces Iran's position in the region in general. Looks like Iran and Israel are inexorable enemies. Hence Netanyahu's tone during their meeting with Putin: "I was clear about Israel not objecting to reconcilement in Syria, but we strongly oppose if such arrangements allow for Iran and its war puppets to maintain a military presence in Syria. I believe I was clear on this matter in the best way". Kremlin responded that no decisions were made during the meeting, as no such goal was set. This was just to make sure everyone was on the same page, added Dmitriy Peskov. At least two things are clear from all of this. First, in the current state, discussion around the post-war Syrian structure is becoming more pertinent. Second, Russia's role in this matter is obvious. Israel is only worried about one thing with Syrian situation — Iran. Kremlin's diplomatic tasks, however, are in many ways more multidimensional. In Syria, it's peace and rebirth of a societal and multi-faith country. Around Syria, it's harmony between very different, strong players from opposing sides. This excludes Iran with 80 million in population, which is Russia's current war ally. This also excludes Israel, whose frustration is understandable and who is also Russia's ally. Don't forget about Turkey with its 80 million. Everybody needs to be calmed down and comforted... and made part of a stable, reliable and peaceful arrangement in the region. This isn't easy or simple. On Friday Syrian president, Bashar Assad, demanded for the Turkish troop pullout. A letter concerning this issue was sent to UNSC. On the same day, Turkish president Erdogan arrived in Russia to visit, as he said, his dear friend Putin. The following complex topics were discussed: Bashar Assad's future, the Kurdish conflict, and seizing fire in Syria. The simpler topics included Russia-Turkish economical situation, which needs a reboot, just like tourism. Putin even remembered how he used to vacation in Turkey: "Hundreds of thousands, millions of Russians spent their vacations in Turkey. It was very friendly and welcoming over there. We all know it, I used to vacation there myself. On several occasions, actually, before I came to work in Moscow Kremlin. I have the warmest emotions and memories when it comes to Turkey". Meanwhile, we won't be sharing Syria with anyone, and definitely not be giving it up. Bashar Assad's faith will be decided by the Syrians during the election. This is an old position, no new one is expected. Syria is to remain intact. Putin: "Obviously, in order for the region to remain peaceful and calm, in order for other countries to begin rebuilding and recovering, the countries must remain whole and intact. In our opinion, recovering Syria as a whole is a necessity when it comes to a full featured recovery of this country". Also, Turkish construction workers are to return to Russia, an agreement has been reached. Russia's universal payment system, the Mir card, will be valid in Turkey. Erdogan: "Friendship between our countries has demonstrated the ability to overcome any complications or challenges. As a result of the past months' work, we achieved our goal to normalize our mutual relationship. We are sure that the current UN Meeting has normalized our mutual relationship so we don't want to use this word anymore". So we go on with our business, including Syria. Erdogan and Netanyahu had to negotiate with Putin particularly now since on March 14th a meeting will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan between higher representatives of Russia, Turkey, and Iran as well as Syria's negotiating team and its armed opposition. "During these negotiations it is expected to finish the development of a joint map of Jabhat-Al-Nusra and ISIS presence on the territory of Syria to coordinate the "Statute of reconciled regions" project to form a hostage exchange group to debate the forming of an international coalition for minesweeping of UNESCO cultural objects and to form a constitutional committee". Basically, this is the main decision-making ground. America is merely an observer.