Between a Hard Place and the United States

The planned talks in Geneva between the Syrian regime and opposition have generated much controversy. Turkey has emerged at the center of the saga, either due to its blocking the participation of Democratic Union Party (PYD) or through disagreements with other key players. Turkey occupies a critical role in the Syria crisis, and its position on the Geneva talks begs for a more nuanced examination. The country is troubled by the hasty attitude underpinning the approach of key actors to the political process, most notably the United States. Ankara is keen to insist on its principled position, despite the widening gap between the conditions on the ground and its political priorities.