Violence and combat in Syria appear to be easing somewhat as 2018 approaches, but political tensions remain high. As the Russians work to bring together Syrian opposition forces and the regime to draft a new constitution at Russia's proposed Syria National Dialogue Congress at Sochi, Kurdish participation continues to be problematic.

There have been predictions that Damascus will not declare war on the Kurds just to please Ankara. Yet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Dec. 18 that all those who cooperate with the United States — which includes the Kurds — are "traitors." Assad's unexpected outburst boosted expectations that, in return for Assad terminating Kurdish democratic autonomy in northern Syria, Ankara would be likely to rebuild bridges with Damascus.

However, this week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly declared Assad a “terrorist” who is impossible to work with. Those hoping for a honeymoon between Ankara and Damascus were deeply disappointed.

Incessant political squabbles again remind us how fragile the political process in Syria can be. But Russia, despite all bottlenecks hampering a settlement, continues with its efforts. Unless the congress is delayed again, it will take place Jan. 29-30. Meanwhile, Russia searches for ways to have the Kurds represented without breaking its promise to Iran and Turkey to jointly agree on invitees.