Skip to main content

US presidential transition adds turmoil to Syria diplomacy

As the Syrian regime makes rapid gains to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, renewed diplomatic efforts to try to broker a pause in the fighting remain uncertain.
People, who evacuated the eastern districts of Aleppo, carry their belongings as they arrive in a government held area of Aleppo, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on December 7, 2016. SANA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - RTSV3U9

WASHINGTON — Even as Western nations pleaded for a pause in the fighting in Aleppo to evacuate the wounded, a growing sense of confusion and uncertainty has settled on diplomatic efforts to try to ease the suffering in Syria, fueled by steady Syrian regime advances that saw it retake the old city of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Dec. 7, as well as the US presidential transition.

Syrian rebel factions asked for a cease-fire in Aleppo Dec. 7, which the regime initially rejected, and were reportedly considering a previously rejected proposal to leave the city.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.