The Formation of the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) between Iran and Turkey in the Syrian Crisis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postdoctoral in International Relations, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

2 Phd Student in International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Political Science, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The developments in Syria, which began with protests, internal conflicts, and external rivalries, have escalated into a full-blown crisis. Despite a decrease in the intensity of the crisis in recent years, it remains a smoldering fire that could reignite at any moment. One of the contributing factors to the reduction in the scope of the crisis has been the agreements between two influential regional actors Iran and Turkey, despite their initial differences (Problem). This article, using the ZOPA approach, aims to answer the question: What are the reasons and points of agreement for the ZOPA region between Iran and Turkey, as influential actors in the Syrian crisis? (Question).The research findings, based on a descriptive-analytical method and using Deductive reasoning (Method), indicate that the changing situation in Syria has led to Turkey's inclination towards creating a zone of agreement. Within this zone, the two countries have reached agreements on issues such as the preservation of Assad's power, maintaining Syria's territorial integrity, repatriating Syrian refugees, and reconstructing the country (Findings).

Keywords

References

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Crisis Studies of the Islamic World
Volume 10, Issue 4 - Serial Number 31
Winter Quarterly
March 2024
Pages 90-111

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