Media: Assad considers Erdoğan's year-long offer amid northern Syria escalation

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may accept Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's year-long offer to normalize relations following a sharp escalation of conflict in northern Syria.

The Turkish newspaper Hürriyet suggests that Assad has begun reconsidering his stance, Caliber.Az reports.

Columnist Abdulkadir Selvi wrote that, Assad, who has refused to shake President Erdoğan’s hand despite his persistent outreach over the past year, has now seen the cost of his mistake.

"However, it is not too late. In light of new developments, Assad may extend his hand to Erdoğan," he stated.  

Another Turkish outlet, Türkiye, claims Assad is actively seeking contact with Ankara. Citing unnamed sources, the publication reported that the Syrian leader had sent an offer for negotiations through two intermediaries.

"Until now, Assad has not responded to Türkiye’s extended hand," the report noted, referencing Türkiye’s prior initiatives for normalization.

Meanwhile, Syria TV alleged that Assad had instructed a delegation to travel to Antalya for talks with Turkish officials. However, this claim was later refuted by the Turkish newspaper Sözcü, which cited sources within Türkiye’s intelligence services.

The backdrop to this apparent diplomatic shift is the worsening situation on the ground in Syria. On November 27, rebel forces launched a major offensive, capturing parts of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, for the first time since 2016. After three days of intense fighting, Syrian government forces withdrew from the city on November 30.

The Associated Press reported that the offensive coincided with the redeployment of pro-Iranian militias, including Hezbollah, which have traditionally supported the Assad regime but are now engaged in the conflict with Israel. Without their backing, government troops were unable to resist the rebel advance effectively.

Robert Ford, a former US ambassador to Syria, described the situation as dire:

"In some areas, the Syrian army appears to have been almost decimated."

The recent developments have reignited questions about Assad’s political and military strategies as he faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts.

Erdoğan’s efforts to restore ties with Damascus, aimed at addressing regional security concerns, have so far been met with resistance. However, the current crisis may present a turning point. Turkish analysts speculate that the shifting dynamics could pave the way for long-awaited negotiations between the two nations.

It remains to be seen whether this crisis will lead to a significant diplomatic breakthrough or deepen the complexities of Syria’s protracted civil war.

By Aghakazim Guliyev