No international force for syria safe zones
The idea of establishing safe zones in Syria, also known as de-escalation zones, has been a topic of discussion for several years. In 2017, the United States, Russia, and Jordan agreed to establish four de-escalation zones in Syria, with the goal of reducing violence and protecting civilians. However, the implementation of these zones has been challenging, and there are currently no international forces in place to enforce them.
The de-escalation zones were established in the following areas:
- Idlib province: This zone is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group that is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and Russia.
- Eastern Ghouta: This zone is controlled by various rebel groups, including HTS and the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
- Daraa and Quneitra provinces: This zone is controlled by the FSA and other rebel groups.
- Rukban and Tanf: These zones are controlled by the FSA and other rebel groups, and are located near the Jordanian border.
Despite the establishment of these zones, the situation on the ground remains volatile, and there have been numerous reports of violence and human rights abuses. The Syrian government, backed by Russia, has continued to launch airstrikes and ground attacks on rebel-held areas, leading to significant civilian casualties.
There are several reasons why there are no international forces in place to enforce the safe zones:
- Lack of agreement: The United States, Russia, and other countries have been unable to agree on the terms of a ceasefire or the composition of an international force to enforce the safe zones.
- Limited international support: Many countries have been reluctant to get involved in the conflict in Syria, and there is limited international support for a military intervention.
- Complexity of the conflict: The conflict in Syria is complex and multifaceted, involving multiple parties and interests. This has made it difficult to establish a clear and effective strategy for enforcing the safe zones.
- Concerns about escalation: There are concerns that the deployment of international forces to Syria could lead to an escalation of the conflict, and potentially draw in other countries.
In recent months, there have been some efforts to revive the idea of establishing a safe zone in northern Syria, with the United States and Turkey proposing a joint operation to establish a buffer zone along the Turkish-Syrian border. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from the Syrian government and its allies, and it remains unclear whether a safe zone will be established in the near future.