What influence does the Syrian army and Hezbollah’s control over the city of Qusair have on the Geneva II peace conference, which is expected to convene in July?

The Syrian regime is acting as if its military victory in Qusair has enhanced its winning cards in the political arena as well as on military ground, but the external opposition believes that Qusair is just one part in the ongoing struggle.

A Syrian pro-government MP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Al-Monitor in a phone interview on June 7 that the exaggeration of Qusair’s battle had given the Syrian government a strong position on military, political and popular levels, adding that the national army is experiencing high morale now.

When asked whether this victory will allow the regime to feel stronger and less willing to make concessions during Geneva II, the Syrian MP asserted that the leadership had announced conditions and that peace conference decisions would be subject to a referendum. He added that the regime will not make concessions and its supporters will not allow it to do so, since they have sacrificed thousands of “martyrs.”