Astana Peace Talks: A Turning Point for Syria and World Politics?

Published: Jan. 23, 2017, 5 a.m.

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined to by Marwa Osman, an independent political commentator; by
Alexander Mercouris, the editor-in-chief of The Duran; and by Catherine Shakdam, a political analyst and author.

Peace talks aimed at ending Syria’s nearly six year war are set to begin today in Astana, Kazakhstan, but unlike the Geneva talks that failed to bring about a resolution, this time the talks exclude the United States. What does the new relationship between Russia, Turkey and Iran mean for the prospects of achieving peace? What opposition groups are attending? Which ones aren’t? What will the role of the United States be now that Donald Trump has become the president?