Aleppo's lessons for Arab states

The boost in ties between Turkey and Syria announced on Tuesday following the meeting of high level officials from both countries in Aleppo marks a milestone in relations between the two countries, a remarkable achievement for two parties who in the not too distant past were at the brink of war. The newly formed “cooperation council� saw foreign, defense, economy, oil, electricity, agriculture and health ministers from both countries meet to discuss improving ties. Such high level talks between Damascus and Ankara are an extremely significant development, one which may well have a positive effect on the whole region if its lessons are not ignored.

The meetings with Syria represent the latest chapter of Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s “zero conflict with neighbors� policy – an approach which has seen Turkey seek to improve relations with all antagonists in close proximity to it. The recognition by Davutoglu that if Turkey aspires to be a prosperous, stable and democratic nation, it cannot ignore unrest around it, serves as a powerful example to other states in the region hindered by seemingly unsolvable disputes with their neighbors.

Tuesday’s talks, together with preceding meetings, have created an atmosphere of trust between Syria and Turkey which would have seemed an improbable feat not so long ago. It seems not so improbable now, however, that other quarrelling powers in the region cannot approach their own feuds in the same manner.

By engaging in dialogue with Syria, Armenia and with its own Kurdish population, Turkey has began to undo years of discord that has existed since colonial powers carved the Middle East to serve their own interests. It has shown that even the most vitriolic of disputes can show signs of progress through an active and reconciliatory foreign policy. The product of addressing the contentious issues that existed between the two nations is an achievement which few in the region have been able to match.

Turkey’s attempts at reconciliation have by no means been consigned to its immediate vicinity. Its mediation between Israel and Syria, and to some extent between Iran and the West, shows a recognition that security between other powers in the region is an important facet of its own stability.

The rapprochement between Turkey and Syria provides yet another example whereby dialogue has triumphed over brinkmanship. Through confidence building, cultural and economic exchanges, a modicum of friendship has been forged between old adversaries.

Though we cannot expect the same model to be replicated among all countries in the region, it should follow that it is by no means unrealistic for Arab countries, who share so much culturally, politically and economically, to achieve a similar level of trust.