Kerry opens door for Iran’s participation in Syria parlay

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday in Jerusalem: “There would be limits on Iran’s role [in the Geneva 2 conference opening on Jan.22 for a political solution of the Syrian conflict] if Tehran did not formally accept that the goal of the conference would be to work out arrangements for a transitional authority that would govern the country if Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, could be persuaded to give up power.”

DEBKAfile: By this convoluted sentence, Kerry made room for Iran to attend this conference provided Assad resigned, even though it is evident by now that Assad will be allowed to stay in power with Tehran’s support.