Syrian intelligence chief meets with factions: Will it pave the way for a permanent political solution?

In an unprecedented step, the head of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate, Hossam Louka, met a few days ago with leaders of the Turkish-backed armed factions in the city of Aleppo, northern Syria.

The Intelligence Online website revealed the details of the first-of-its-kind secret meeting, which was mediated by Russia, indicating a major change in attitudes and alliances in the region.

Handing over weapons

Intelligence Online reported that Louka presented the factions with the conditions for joining the so-called “national reconciliation”, which are agreements that stipulate handing over weapons and engaging in civilian life in return for improving their security and humanitarian conditions.

The website noted that the factions rejected the conditions of the Syrian intelligence chief and demanded international guarantees to protect their rights and the rights of civilians in the areas they control, in addition to holding free and fair elections in which all Syrian parties participate.

Louka participated in a tripartite meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, May 24, with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to discuss ways to solve the Syrian crisis, the refugee problem, and joint efforts to combat extremist organizations.

Repercussions of the meeting

In Syria, observers believe that the meeting of the Syrian intelligence chief with the leaders of the Turkish-backed factions could open a door for dialogue, contribute to mitigating conflict and violence, and pave the way for a comprehensive and lasting political solution. It could also help improve the humanitarian and security situation for civilians in war-affected areas. On the regional level, it could reflect a change in Turkey's position on the Syrian crisis and a desire for rapprochement with Damascus after years of tension and escalation.

At the international level, the meeting could indicate a pivotal role for Russia as a guarantor and mediator between the conflicting parties and an influential force in shaping the Syrian scene. It could lead to a reassessment of positions and alliances regarding Syria and to the involvement of new parties in the peace process. It could also facilitate international cooperation in areas such as combating terrorism, reconstruction, and solving the refugee problem.

A positive step towards calm

Syrian political activist Ali Tawfiq said in an interview with the Reference that it is uncertain whether Louka’s meeting with the leaders of the Turkish-backed factions will lead to a reduction in the terrorist role of the armed factions in Syria, because this depends on several factors, including the extent of the seriousness and credibility of the two parties in adhering to the agreements and conditions that were proposed or negotiated, the extent to which the bases of the armed factions and the local community accept and support this meeting and its results, the absence of internal divisions or objections, as well as the extent of the influence and interference of regional and international powers in this file, the absence of conflicting or hostile interests or agendas, in addition to the extent of continuity and follow-up of this meeting with other meetings that enhance the confidence of the two parties, improve their relations, and encourage cooperation in common areas.

According to Tawfiq, this meeting could be a positive step towards calming tensions and reducing violence in Syria, but it is not sufficient on its own to end the terrorist role of the armed factions unless other conditions and guarantees are available that allow for a comprehensive and just political solution to the Syrian crisis.