Syria’s Ongoing Crisis The Path to Peace

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the conflict in Syria is far from over, despite significant changes in the political and military landscape, including the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters in the northern regions highlight the fragility of the situation, signaling potential risks of further destabilization.

Recent Escalations and Ceasefires

The past two weeks have witnessed intense hostilities between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, emphasized during a recent UN Security Council (UNSC) session that unchecked military escalation could lead to catastrophic outcomes. 

A US-mediated ceasefire has temporarily paused the violence. Following the ceasefire, the SNA took control of Manbij, forcing the SDF to retreat east of the Euphrates River. Efforts to negotiate a lasting peace are underway, with the SDF proposing a demilitarized zone in Kobane under US supervision to address Turkish security concerns and ensure regional stability. However, a formal response from key stakeholders remains pending.

The Role of International Actors

The UNSC has reiterated its call for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process to meet the aspirations of all citizens and ensure their ability to shape a democratic future. The council also emphasized countering terrorism across the country and maintaining compliance with resolutions on non-conventional weapons. 

The United States has extended the ceasefire in northern Syria, urging all parties to avoid further conflict. Meanwhile, international consensus on reconstruction and sanctions remains elusive. The UN Envoy has called for lifting Western-backed sanctions to facilitate reconstruction, arguing that economic recovery is critical for a sustainable political transition.

Israel’s Role in the Golan Heights

Another point of contention is Israel’s activities in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Israel has conducted over 350 strikes on Syrian territory since the regime change, with a recent major attack targeting Tartous. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the UN buffer zone in the Golan has drawn criticism, with Pedersen urging Israel to halt settlement expansion, which violates international law and exacerbates regional instability. 

Challenges Ahead for Syria’s Future

The ongoing conflict has left Syria deeply fragmented, with various factions and international actors pursuing competing agendas. Western countries remain divided on their approach to groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the takeover of Damascus. HTS, despite moderating its rhetoric, remains designated as a terrorist organization by many governments. 

Reconstruction efforts are hindered by the existing sanctions, which the UN and other advocates argue must be lifted to enable meaningful rebuilding. Pedersen stressed that concrete progress on an inclusive political framework is crucial for unlocking the economic support Syria desperately needs.

The path to peace in Syria is fraught with challenges, requiring coordinated international efforts and a commitment to inclusivity. As hostilities persist and reconstruction stalls, the need for dialogue and decisive action has never been more urgent. Ensuring stability in Syria is not just a regional imperative but a global responsibility.