Turkey’s Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to reconsider military presence in Syria if Kurdish militants are eliminated, reflecting Turkey’s longstanding stance against non-state armed groups. The dialogue at the Munich Security Conference highlighted tensions around Kurdish participation in Syria’s new governance and military integration.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during the Munich Security Conference that Turkey would consider reevaluating its military presence in northeastern Syria contingent upon the elimination of the Kurdish militant group identified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Fidan articulated Turkey’s stance against tolerating armed militias, emphasizing the need for such groups to be integrated into a singular national army in Syria.
During the conference, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani refrained from commenting on Fidan’s statements but expressed support for disarming all non-state factions and incorporating Kurdish representation within Syria’s new governance structure. Since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad by insurgent groups, the presence of Turkish-backed forces in northeastern Syria has significantly escalated, leading to targeted operations against Kurdish forces.
Turkey perceives the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed Kurdish military alliance, as an extension of the PKK, exacerbating military conflicts between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF in the northern region. Despite most insurgent factions agreeing to integrate into Syria’s new military framework, the SDF has remained resistant to this integration.
Hind Kabawat from the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution stated that while Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian populace, possessing an independent army contradicts the nation’s unity. This ongoing dialogue and tension underscore the complexities surrounding military operations and political negotiations involving various factions in Syria.
In summary, Turkey signals a potential reassessment of its military involvement in Syria, contingent on decisive actions against Kurdish militias deemed terrorist organizations. The dialogue at the Munich Security Conference illustrates the intricate interplay between military presence, Kurdish autonomy, and the quest for national unity in Syria. The situation remains dynamic with both military and political ramifications.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
