The de-escalation zones in Syria

By Sajjad Malik
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, May 10, 2017
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People attend a protest against last week's U.S. airstrikes on Syria, in front of the UN office in Damascus, capital of Syria, April 11, 2017. [Xinhua file photo]

The idea of creating safe areas in Syria to save the common people from ravages of the conflict is not new. It had been in discussion for quite some time but could not emerge as a reality due to complexity of the civil war.

But a flurry of diplomatic activities involving key international leaders have started yielding results. As agreed in Astana, having de-escalation zones free from violence is an important achievement.

This phase of pro-active diplomacy started with the direct telephonic contact between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin – the first since the missile strike on Syria last month.

The two talked about the issue of ceasefire, among other things. Their desire for peace provides space for breaking the deadly pattern of violence in Syria.

Next came the meeting between Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The relations between the two have fully recovered after the disastrous effects of the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet by Turkey in 2015. And with the bilateral trust building, their cooperation on Syria has also improved.

The key indicator of growing consensus for peace on Syria is the expression of intent by Putin and Erdogan to create non-combatant zones within Syria. This agreement for special safe zones will be a major progress in protecting the life and property of the civilians in the war-torn country.

The idea was further discussed by the rebels and government officials at the ceasefire talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. The key outcome of the moot was that Russia, Turkey and Iran, the three facilitators of the Astana process, signed a memorandum to set up "de-escalation areas."

It is an important step to make the ceasefires meaningful for ordinary people, provided the idea is implemented in its true spirit. Though, it is still early to say about the success of the initiative but there are signs for optimism.

The support of Turkey is vital for such zones, as it shares a volatile border with Syria where Kurds have emerged as a strong entity. Previously, it expressed opposition to the non-fly zones in the areas.

According to the trilateral agreement of Astana, the parties to the conflict will not be allowed to target each other in the marked security areas. The detailed maps will be prepared and circulated among the stakeholders.

Initially, four such zones may be established. The areas identified are located one each in provinces of Idlib and Homs. Another would be created in the Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus, while the fourth may be set up in the south of the country.

The front lines between the forces of the government and opposition groups would be separated and ceasefire properly enforced. The jets operated by Russia and Syria would not fly over the safe zones provided the ceasefire is observed by all sides.

To further establish the credibility of the safe areas, these zones would be monitored by international observers. Russia, Turkey and Iran are joint guarantors to see the implementation of the de-escalation zones and monitor their functioning.

However, the parties would be free to target Deash/ISIL and other militant Islamic groups which are not covered in the Astana agreement on de-escalation zones.

It is a workable idea despite pitfalls. But it would need full commitment and honesty by all. Once the initial set of safe zones is successful, the initiative can be multiplied with the aim of creating wider peace zones.

Though, the opposition groups want to go beyond the safe zones and are demanding a nationwide ceasefire. It shows their eagerness for peace. But it is better to start with limited areas where ceasefires can be implemented.

Caution is the watchword to break the stranglehold of violence. After years of bloodshed, a war economy develops with its powerful stakeholders who can disrupt any chances for restoring the normality.

Peace should be given a chance through designated areas under supervised conditions. With the passage of time, peace and stability would create its own proponents, supporters and business environment to sustain.

The Astana process launched in January is slowly proving its effectiveness. While its focus remains on cessation of hostilities and implementation of ceasefire, the other track of talks being pursued in Geneva should be expedited. It should vigorously explore options for a lasting political solution to the Syrian problem.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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