The upcoming battle in Syria in the province of Idlib has been described as the last major battle between the Syrian government and opposition forces. With approximately 3 million residents in the rural area and home to opposition groups, some of which have relocated to the province after having struck a deal with the government, Idlib will determine not only the future geography of the Syrian government but the influence of regional and world powers intricately involved in the seven-year-old Syrian civil war.
The presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia, three of the most influential foreign countries in Syria, are scheduled to meet in Iran on Friday to discuss the future of Idlib and, ultimately, Syria. The meeting in Tehran, which was originally scheduled to be held in the northwestern city of Tabriz, is the third meeting between the three presidents to discuss Syria.