The attempts to find a solution to the Syrian conflict and bring stability to the Middle East began in late 2011 , when the Arab League launched two initiatives , but without much success . Russia in January 2012 and in November 2013 suggested talks in Moscow between the Syrian government and opposition . In March – May 2012 , hopes were on a United Nations/Arab League plan coordinated by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan . In January and February 2014 , the Geneva II Conference on Syria took place , organised by then-UN envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi . On 30 October 2015 , further talks started in Vienna involving officials from the U.S. , the EU , Russia , China and various regional actors such as Saudi Arabia , Egypt , Turkey and , for the first time , Iran . Peace talks with rebel leadership continued in Nur-Sultan , Kazakhstan in 2017 . The Kazakh officials are offering Astana as a neutral venue and " a natural home " for peace negotiations on Syria
Geneva II Conference on Syria
Geneva II Conference on Syria
Syrian peace process