Erdogan and Assad's Diplomatic Thaw: A New Chapter?

Turkish President Erdogan and Syrian President Assad are showing interest in restoring diplomatic ties, severed for over a decade. Erdogan, aiming to address anti-Syrian sentiment and refugee concerns in Turkey, hopes for a meeting soon. Assad welcomes a return to relations, potentially ending his political isolation. Talks mediated by Russia and Iraq face challenges but may yield incremental security agreements.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar Assad are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations, severed since 2011 due to a brutal civil war in Syria. Erdogan expressed hope for a meeting with Assad to address this longstanding rupture.

During a NATO summit in Washington, Erdogan highlighted his recent call to Assad to propose a meeting in Turkey or a neutral country, assigning Turkey's foreign minister to follow up. Turkey's support for Syrian insurgents and its military presence in Syria's northwest are major sticking points for Damascus.

Russia, a key backer of Assad, and Iraq are pushing for renewed talks, potentially leading to modest security agreements. However, entrenched disagreements and historical animosities may hamper significant progress. Both leaders might await the outcome of U.S. elections before making major moves.

(With inputs from agencies.)