Following the fall of Assad’s regime, Turkey has seized the opportunity to bolster its influence in Syria. Turkey’s spy chief visited Damascus, indicating Ankara’s new role, while the fall of Assad allows Erdoğan to navigate domestic pressures regarding Syrian refugees. Furthermore, Turkey’s engagement with HTS has led to significant territorial and political gains amid escalating tensions with Kurdish groups.
The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has achieved a significant diplomatic victory in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Shortly after Assad fled to Moscow, Turkish officials symbolically raised their flag over the embassy in Damascus for the first time in 12 years. This pivotal moment followed an unexpected visit by Turkey’s spy chief, Ibrahim Kalin, who engaged with the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Analysts see this visit as a demonstration of Ankara’s emerging influence in Syria’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
For months, Turkey strategically delayed HTS’s military operations while seeking cooperation with Russian and Iranian officials to bring Assad to the negotiating table, but these efforts faltered. Once it became evident that Assad would not agree to talks, Turkey reluctantly authorized HTS to act. This decision played a crucial role in the collapse of the Assad regime, resulting in a situation that thus far has aligned with Turkish interests.
This unexpected turn of events has been characterized by some experts as a “catastrophic success” for Turkey. The fall of Assad allows Erdoğan to cultivate a narrative of support for Syrian refugees, offsetting nationalist pressure for their expulsion. Ankara swiftly announced intentions for rebuilding efforts in Syria, with Turkish companies poised to participate in reconstruction.
Moreover, Turkey’s influence has extended into the northern regions occupied by Kurdish forces, intensifying conflicts between Turkish-backed groups and those supported by the United States. As Turkish-backed forces have begun advancing in this region, Turkey is strategically positioned to consolidate authority over northern Syria. This resurgence raises concerns about the potential establishment of a Kurdish administration, which Turkey staunchly opposes.
In summation, Erdoğan’s calculated handling of the Syrian crisis has yielded significant benefits for Turkey. Facilitating HTS’s maneuvers underscores Ankara’s increasing role in shaping Syria’s future and advancing its strategic interests across the region, reinforcing its influence amid a rapidly changing political landscape.
The article discusses Turkey’s diplomatic and military maneuvering in Syria under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, especially following the recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad. It highlights Ankara’s opportunistic approach in enhancing its influence through engagement with groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the shift in dynamics resulting from Assad’s ousting. The need to balance domestic political pressures regarding Syrian refugees and aspirations for regional dominance is also explored, along with Turkey’s renewed focus on Kurdish areas.
In conclusion, Turkey’s assertive strategy in Syria has produced immediate advantages for Erdoğan’s administration, including the potential for enhanced regional influence and opportunities for domestic political positioning. The re-establishment of diplomatic presence in Damascus signifies a new phase in Turkish-Syrian relations, while the dynamics in northern Syria present both risks and opportunities for Ankara. Erdoğan’s ability to navigate these complexities may determine Turkey’s long-term success in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
