The Syrian conflict rages on in a vicious circle despite the Russian-Turkish agreement that seeks to bring the opposition and the regime to the negotiating table in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana by the end of this month. The ceasefire accord is already showing signs of crumbling with frequent clashes reported and the warring sides hurling accusations at one another. An air of distrust prevails, leaving the political and military establishments in a state of disarray and helplessness. With the UN and the US excluded from the forthcoming talks, the role of Russia as the principal peace guarantor is crucial. Both the UN and the US were key players in the Geneva talks. Russia is a supporter of the regime, and it is difficult to fathom how the talks will see any semblance of fairness. The regime in fact was the first to violate the ceasefire. So, how is it realistically possible to hold peace talks when there is no real peace on the ground? There are so many factions with differing standpoints involved in the Syrian crisis. All these vested interests have their own self-centered designs, which is what has aggravated and prolonged the conflict. Had there been sincere efforts to end the deadlock, external attempts to fish in troubled waters would have been nipped at the very onset of the hostilities. With no end in sight to the war, one can only hope that good sense will prevail to find a lasting solution to the prolonged conflict. Good faith is the need of the hour. At least till then, peace threatens to remain as elusive as ever.
