Syrian opposition discuss forming united front
December 10, 2015
The various factions that make up much of the opposition in Syria's ongoing conflict continued talks in the Saudi capital on Thursday in an effort to forge a united front in preparation for the eventual end of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
More than 100 representatives of many different political and religious persuasions are in Riyadh, seeking to form a unified bloc for potential talks with the embattled Assad, whom many want to see ousted from the presidency.
Assad's future role in the government remains at the center of the talks. Western-backed opposition forces have said he will still have a place in Syrian politics, although the talks on Wednesday emphasized that he will play no part in the transition process.
A motley crew
Much of the difficulty of forming a delegation stems from the fragmented nature of the opposition, which marred attempts at peace talks in Geneva two years ago.
Divisions among the different fighters also prevented Western governments from confidently backing them - save for weapons deliveries - leaving a power vaccum in the region that allowed terrorist organizations like the "Islamic State" (IS) and Nusra Front. to gain ground
On Friday, Russia, the US and the UN will hold three-way talks in Geneva as they prepare for a new round of peace talks in Vienna.
blc/msh (Reuters, dpa)