Strategic Council Online: In commentaries, Americans seem to have finally accepted that the political establishment in Syria under the leadership of Bashar Assad cannot be changed; also the possibility of toppling Assad’s government and the US desired changes in Syria will not be realized; therefore, Europe and the United States will gradually but informally proceed towards recognizing the status quo.
Amir Ali AbolFatah, American Affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: The president of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations said that there should be more serious negotiations between Iran and key European countries to explore the future of relations.
Strategic Council Online: One of the contingencies and scenarios discussed for the future dialogue between the Kurds and the Syrian government, is for a part of the American troops to stay in the northern regions of Syria, in which case the Kurdish tribes will face a new dilemma: To continue cooperation with the United States or forge new cooperation with the Syrian government. The existence of this dilemma can further create disparities within the Kurdish groups and prevent them from pursuing the right path.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East expert
Strategic Council Online: The Syrian dossier has reached a crucial and decisive stage this year. The widespread security crisis imposed on Syria by the crisis generating regional and international actors since 2011, with the aim of overthrowing the Syrian state and disturbing the balance of power in the region to the disadvantage of the Resistance, has reached its final stages thanks to the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Resistance Forces as well as Russia’s assistance. Therefore, the year 2018 could be called the year of shifting the Syrian dossier into the political phase.
Ahmad Zarean – University Lecturer & Senior Expert on Strategic Affairs
Strategic Council Online: President of Strategic Council on Foreign Relations emphasizes that because of US illegal withdrawal from Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA) I.R. Iran expects other parties of the deal to help Iran to leave US sanctions behind, because non-execution of the deal means that there is no benefit for Iran to remain a party to the deal.