UN’s Resolution 2254 on Syria: Aابقة turno for peace or irrelevant déjà vu?
A new year brings fresh hope for a resolution to the decade-long conflict in Syria. The United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, is once again at the forefront of international efforts to end the crisis. But as negotiations resume, the question remains: Is this agreement still relevant, or has it become a mere relic of a changing conflict?
Reviving an Aging Resolution
Resolution 2254 was hailed as a potential game-changer when it was passed, calling for a ceasefire, political transition, and UN-led talks. It even set a target date for Syria’s first elections: 2017. Five years later, that date has long passed without significant progress.
The conflict has evolved since 2015, with new key players emerging and old ones fading. The Islamic State’s territorial control has been largely dismantled, but concerns remain about its lingering influence. The once-swollen ranks of opposition forces have dwindled, and the Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, has made significant territorial gains.
A Shifting Balance of Power
The shifting dynamics of the conflict have raised questions about the relevance of Resolution 2254. The text no longer mentions specific groups or individuals, making it difficult to pin down concrete steps for implementation. Moreover, some argue that the resolution’s focus on a political transition led by Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, is no longer realistic or desirable.
Yet, despite these criticisms, Resolution 2254 continues to serve as a crucial reference point. It remains the only UNSC resolution addressing the Syria conflict that has been unanimously adopted. Moreover, its emphasis on a UN-led political process has been consistently reiterated by key international players.
ISIS‘s Lurking Threat
Amid discussions on Syria’s political future, the threat of the Islamic State looms large. The UN’s Counter-Terrorism Committee recently warned of ISIS’s potential resurgence, following a similar pattern seen after the fall of the caliphate in Iraq. With the international community focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, there are growing concerns about the group’s resilience and the risk of a new terror wave.
The recent emphasis by the UN Security Council on preventing ISIS’s resurgence underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to the Syria conflict. This includes addressing the root causes of extremism, stabilizing areas liberated from ISIS control, and ensuring the voluntary and safe return of refugees.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations on Syria’s future gear up, the relevance of Resolution 2254 will be put to the test. While some argue that it is merely a faded memory of a bygone era, others maintain that its core principles – a UN-led political process, a ceasefire, and a commitment to addressing the suffering of Syrian civilians – remain as relevant as ever.
Only time will tell whether Resolution 2254 will prove to be a turning point in Syria’s tragic history or a than a faint echo of missed opportunities. Nevertheless, the international community must remain steadfast in its pursuit of peace, ensuring that any new agreement learns from the past and addresses the complex challenges facing Syria today.
