Turkey and Qatar are emerging as influential players in Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy, particularly in Syria. Their collaboration includes significant financial investments and military support, which aid in the country’s reconstruction, as the U.S. steps back from direct involvement. This shift highlights how alliances and regional power dynamics are rapidly changing, especially concerning the UAE’s diminishing influence compared to the rising clout of Turkey and Qatar.
Turkey and Qatar are increasingly becoming pivotal players in U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy for the Middle East, particularly in Syria. These two nations are mobilizing resources—including Qatari funds and gas, alongside Turkey’s military strength—to assist in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. Meanwhile, Trump appears to be stepping back from direct involvement, citing a multitude of concerns on his plate, shrinking his footprint while relying on local allies.
The cooperation between Qatar and Turkey is significant and not flying under the radar of regional officials. “Trump has too much on his plate; China, Iran talks, the war in Ukraine. He doesn’t want to intervene. In Syria, he has these two local allies who don’t mind getting involved in the nitty-gritty details of Syria’s reconstruction. He is going to lean on them,” a senior Arab official noted. Qatar, especially, has started funding salaries for Syrian government employees and has commenced gas deliveries to Syria, facilitated through Jordan. In parallel, Turkey is negotiating defense agreements with the Syrian government amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the region.
These developments should not be surprising, given Turkey’s extensive border with Syria and its long-standing support for Syrian rebels. Qatar, on the other hand, has distinguished itself as the only Gulf nation that openly recognized the Syrian opposition. Meanwhile, the Emiratis have invested in normalizing relations with Bashar al-Assad, negotiating terms to lessen Iran’s influence over Syria in exchange for easing U.S. sanctions on the Assad regime.
In recent months, Turkey and Qatar struck a notable energy deal alongside the United States, amounting to $7 billion. This agreement includes plans for constructing gas power plants and a solar facility aimed at alleviating Syria’s severe energy shortages. At the ceremony, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack remarked on the partnership’s potential, highlighting the historical ties between the three nations while framing the reconstruction of Syria as part of Trump’s broader vision for reshaping the Middle East.
American officials seem to recognize Turkey’s national security interests in Syria. Robert Ford, the last U.S. ambassador to Syria, mentioned that the Trump administration appreciates Turkey’s position in the conflict—an acknowledgment that has not always been the case in Washington. Furthermore, former Syrian diplomat Bassam Barabandi asserted, “The US has to work with the Turks; otherwise, there will be another war”—indicating the need for U.S.-Turkish collaboration to stabilize the region.
The past tensions during the Biden administration—rooted in the U.S.’s partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces—have created strains, as Turkey considers the SDF an extension of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization. Notably, Trump’s previous commitment to transitioning U.S. troops out of Syria has faced various challenges, though the context may have shifted with Turkey’s deeper involvement.
Despite a strained history, Turkey and Qatar’s alignment is noteworthy given their complementary strengths—Turkey’s military prowess coupled with Qatar’s wealth. Their partnership gained momentum through the Arab Spring when they jointly supported uprisings across the region. However, past differences, especially highlighted by the blockade enforced against Qatar by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2017, complicate the dynamics today.
Currently, as Turkey and Qatar engage in significant agreements in Syria, the UAE finds itself amidst challenges with its allies. Tensions are growing between Egypt and the UAE over economic policies, while the UAE’s backing of certain factions in Libya and Sudan raises questions about its strategic positioning.
The ongoing transformation in Syria is also indicative of the larger shifts in the Middle East post-Arab Spring. While both Turkey and Qatar seem to be solidifying their relationships with the new Syrian leadership, the influence of the UAE in the region appears to be waning. Reliable sources suggest that even though Assad’s regime may accept funds from the UAE, it does not necessarily trust them for security matters, leaving Turkey and Qatar in stronger positions at this juncture.
The evolving situation underscores a significant change; discussions of democracy or inclusive governance do not seem to be on Assad’s agenda, leaving observers skeptical about Syria’s political direction. Sharaa’s elevation as a primary player aligns interests across several Gulf states, suggesting a tendency toward stability rather than transformative political reforms. The U.S. vision remains focused on maintaining influence through local partnerships while steering clear of nation-building efforts, minimizing the possibility of intervention in the future.
To sum it up, Turkey and Qatar are carving out a notable role in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, under Trump’s strategic plan. Their partnership emphasizes regional influence, financial support, and military involvement, which contrasts with the increasingly precarious position of the UAE and its allies. As the situation evolves, the focus seems to be shifting from humanitarian concerns to a quest for stability and the redirection of foreign investment into Syria’s recovery process. This dynamic signifies a rearrangement of alliances and interests in the region, possibly reshaping its future landscape significantly.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
