Will Syria peace talks make any difference?
A date has been set for talks to start in Geneva, but serious doubts remain over what can be achieved.
As the war in Syria comes close to entering its sixth year, diplomats and delegates are gearing up for talks in Geneva on Friday.
The negotiations have already been delayed because of disagreements over who should attend.
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The United Nations envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, says he has sent invitations to delegates and that the list is as “inclusive as possible”, but it is still unclear who has been invited.
Talks to end the war were last held in Geneva in 2012 and again in 2014.
On Inside Story, we ask: Are meaningful discussions likely to go ahead this time? And is a peace deal possible?
Presenter: Peter Dobbie
Guests:
George Sabra – President of the Syrian National Council
Oubai Shahbandar – Managing director of Orient Media
Noah Bonsey – Senior Syria analyst for the International Crisis Group