How to Undo the Knot in Syria

- Several plans have, hitherto, been proposed to solve the crisis in Syria. Some of them have been regional and are perhaps closer to the existing realities on the scene in Syria; while others are international and somehow distant from what is happening in this country. 

- Any plan that is proposed by any group to solve the crisis in Syria should have two characteristics; the first is that it should cover the grounds for a tangible and serious implementation in Syria, i.e. it should not be based on assumptions, but rather directly related to the realities in Syria. The second is that the ideas of both sides should be considered in this plan so that they are motivated to accept and implement it.

- These two characteristics were not present in the previous plans and the realities on the scene were not considered. They were proposed without the positive view of the conflicting parties and that is why they did not succeed.

- The crisis in Syria goes beyond its geographical territory and today it has entered different regional and international phases. Certain elements have entered this crisis and each one of them pursues its own interests. Therefore, the success of any plan depends on regional and international views.

- What is certain is that two points must be considered in the crisis in Syria. The first point is that the continuation of the present situation will lead to more killings and destruction, hence, more displacement of the people. Therefore, any plan must place a cease-fire on top of its agenda. 

- In the previous proposals, neither party, or at least only one of them, agreed with the cease-fire and they felt that they had the upper hand in the scene and could progress militarily.

- But today, both sides have perhaps reached the conclusion that the crisis in Syria has no military solution and neither of them is able to completely destroy or eliminate the other side. Thus, the grounds have somehow been prepared for a plan, the basis of which is to stop any violent and armed action. 

- In Iran and Russia's plan, which was ratified by the international community in Geneva, the issue of a cease-fire was the priority. But the western party has always felt that the only way to solve the crisis in Syria is to act militarily and through direct military intervention or by arming the opposition. 

- I assume that today, despite the slogans that the Americans chant with regard to the removal of Bashar Assad and supporting the armed opposition groups, they are concerned about the progress of the armed Jihadist and radical Salafi groups inside Syria and their proximity to the capital. 

- Their concern is that if a peaceful proposal is implemented which does not consider the views of Russia and the regional parties, the future of Syria would be directed towards a path where the radical groups become the determining factor and the ensuing conflict would be between the world community and the radical groups that are close to al-Qaeda. Hence, the western countries and the US are now willing to follow a plan in which peaceful demands are considered.

- Of course, the western countries insist that this plan should be implemented without Bashar Assad. And despite different reactions from the Russians, Mr. Lavrov's recent statements indicate that the Russians believe that any plan must be implemented with the presence of Bashar Assad. 

- This issue has also been considered in Iran's plan and we have declared that Assad must remain in power until the end of his presidential term. Thus, this is a common characteristic in both plans.

- Besides the issue of Assad in these plans, the other characteristic is the prolongation and continuation of the existing trend which will inflict more damages on Syria in the future.

- Therefore, the issue which was emphasized by both Iran and Russia is that a solution should be found for the crisis in Syria where the people are dealt the least damage and the Libyan experience is not repeated; instead the country should move toward free elections and democratization. 

- In my opinion, under these conditions, Iran and Russia have reached the conclusion that a date must be determined to end this crisis and a date must also be set for free elections in Syria so that different parties can assemble. Hopefully, the US will gradually reach this conclusion as well. 

- In my opinion, the Russians balance their positions considering the realities in the Syrian scene; but this does not mean that they would leave their old ally or agree with what the US and the West pursue. 

- The Russians seek to present a new definition of their positions with regard to the issue of Syria, and that is to test the positions of different parties like the Syrians and the western countries by making different statements which are immediately denied. But as I have mentioned before, this matter is followed in line with arranging the future positions of the Russians with regard to the issue of Syria and not changing their positions.