Researcher: Turkey, Qatar obstruct DAA negotiations with Damascus

Dr. Ibrahim Muslim, a political researcher, has warned against foreign interference obstructing ongoing negotiations between representatives of northeastern Syria and the Syrian Transitional Government. He pointed out that the most significant interference stems from Turkey and Qatar.

He emphasized that both countries share a common objective: to sabotage the inclusion of the Democratic Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in shaping the country’s future.

Negotiations between northeastern Syrian representatives and the Damascus government have reached a deadlock, despite the signing of the March 10 agreement, hailed as a historic opportunity for resolution. With mounting Turkish pressure, ongoing field violations, and Damascus’s intransigence, the crisis deepens, leaving the prospects for national dialogue unclear, particularly in the absence of scheduled future meetings.

Dr. Muslim explained that Ankara seeks to “support the Muslim Brotherhood faction in Syria, a faction fundamentally opposed to the democratic project aspired to by the majority of Syrians across all communities,” while Doha finances and supports jihadist groups that are equally hostile to democratic principles as the Brotherhood.

Recent developments have underscored the extent of Turkish influence in derailing negotiations. On August 8, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made a surprise visit to Damascus, meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa and senior officials. This was followed on August 13 by a joint visit of the Defense and Foreign Ministers of the Transitional Government to Ankara, after which Damascus announced its refusal to attend negotiations in Paris with northeastern Syrian representatives.

Regarding the consequences of these ongoing interferences, the researcher warned that they will institutionalize Syria’s division and may lead to imposing a new reality that redraws international maps in the Middle East, resulting in increased fragmentation and conflict.

He added that the impact of these policies will deeply harm Syrian society by fueling internal divisions and opening the door to new conflicts.

Dr. Muslim affirmed that the only solution for Syrians lies in steadfast commitment to internal dialogue, despite its difficulties and slow pace, emphasizing that its success requires continuous sessions and intensive workshops.

The political researcher also stressed the necessity of combating incitement and hate speech, considering that building national understanding is the best way to reduce foreign interference and preserve Syrian societal unity.

It is worth noting that on March 10, 2025, an agreement was signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Transitional Government. The agreement included eight key articles aimed at regulating the relationship between the Democratic Autonomous Administration of northeastern Syria and the Transitional Government, rebuilding a comprehensive political process based on participation, ceasefire, and the integration of civil and military institutions within the framework of the state.

ANHA