In brief
Rebel forces in Syria have achieved significant territorial gains, raising hopes for a shift towards political reform as demands mount for Assad to negotiate.
In a striking turn of events, rebel forces in Syria have rapidly gained control over significant territories in the west and northwest, including parts of Aleppo, igniting renewed momentum among the political opposition in exile. Hadi al-Bahra, leader of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, made a bold statement from Turkey on Monday, urging President Bashar al-Assad to engage in a political transition amidst the backdrop of this military progress.The recent advances reported by both rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights come after years of stagnation in the civil war, with rebel fighters making sweeping territorial gains in mere days. Al-Bahra emphasized that these developments resonate deeply with a population long-suffering from Assad's regime and its allied forces, notably backed by Iran and Russia.Speaking at a press conference from Istanbul, al-Bahra stated that the opposition is more prepared than ever to negotiate, especially following the rebel's pivotal capture of Aleppo. He articulated that the ongoing military efforts would persist until Assad concedes to a political dialogue, asserting, “Negotiations could start tomorrow.”The opposition leader's comments reflect a broader push for the implementation of the long-stalled 2015 United Nations Security Council resolution 2254, which outlines necessary steps for political reform in Syria, beginning with a cease-fire. He reiterated that achieving this resolution is crucial for any sustainable political solution, emphasizing the opposition's readiness to leverage all means necessary for its enactment.
