Donald Trump: Turkey is very intelligent, Erdogan holds the key to Syria ᐉ News from Fakti.bg – World

Turkey‘s Influence on Syria‘s Change

Turkey has played a notable role in shaping the political and territorial landscape of Syria. Its involvement stemmed from a complex interplay of factors, including security concerns, regional aspirations, and domestic political considerations. Turkey’s military operations inside Syria, aimed at combating Kurdish militias and creating a buffer zone along its border, have had a profound impact on the Syrian conflict. These actions have reshaped demographics, altered territorial control, and fueled tensions with other regional powers. Moreover, Turkey has actively engaged in political negotiations and diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a resolution to the Syrian crisis. Ankara’s position has often been at odds with other international actors, leading to diplomatic standoffs and complicating peace talks.

A New Dawn for Syria: Rebels Topple Assad Regime

After a grueling 13-year conflict, the landscape of Syria has undergone a dramatic transformation. Rebel forces, receiving critical support from Turkey, have successfully dislodged the long-standing regime of Bashar Assad. This seismic shift in power signals the beginning of a new era for the war-torn nation, with Ankara appearing to take a leading role.

Turkey’s Role in the Syrian Conflict

former President Donald Trump highlighted Turkey’s significant influence in the Syrian conflict during a press conference at mar-a-Lago. Praising Turkey as “very smart” and “tough”, Trump pointed to their accomplished “takeover” of Syria, achieved with minimal bloodshed. In his own words, “Turkey did a hostile takeover without killing a lot of people.I can say assad was a butcher.”

Turkey’s Growing Influence in Syria Sparks Controversy

Turkey’s recent actions in Syria are raising eyebrows and provoking international debate. This assertive maneuver is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern that has been unfolding since 2016. Ankara has been steadily increasing its presence and influence in northwestern Syria, forging alliances with various groups in the region. One of these alliances, a partnership with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has drawn particular scrutiny from Western nations. This group, formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, has been labeled a terrorist organization by many countries. The association between Turkey and Hayat tahrir al-Sham has fueled concerns and sparked criticism from the international community. This complex situation continues to evolve, posing significant challenges for regional stability and international relations.

Turkey Offers Military Backing to New Syrian Rebel Government

In a move signaling its strong support for the newly formed Syrian rebel government, Turkey has publicly declared its willingness to provide military assistance if requested. This pledge underscores Turkey’s prominent role in shaping the evolving political landscape of Syria. Ankara’s offer of military support highlights its deep commitment to the success of the rebel leadership. The move also positions Turkey as a major influencer in the region, actively involved in determining the future course of Syria.

Turkey’s Stance on US-Backed Forces in Syria

Turkey is carefully observing the Biden administration’s policies regarding the Syrian democratic Forces (SDF). This US-backed group has played a crucial role in combating ISIS in Syria. However, ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organization because of its alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a major threat to its national security.

A Complex Geopolitical Landscape

The situation in Syria is incredibly complex. The US sees the SDF as a valuable ally in the fight against terrorism. Conversely, Turkey views the SDF’s connection to the PKK as a direct threat to its territorial integrity and the well-being of its citizens. This difference in perspective creates a delicate balancing act for the Biden administration as it navigates its relations with both Turkey, a NATO ally, and the SDF, a key partner in the fight against ISIS.

Turkey’s Defense Minister adopts a wait-and-see Approach with New Administration

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler has struck a diplomatic tone regarding the recently established administration. While expressing a degree of cautious optimism, Guler emphasized the need for observation before forming any definitive judgments. “we have to wait to see what the new administration will do,” he stated.”We think we need to give it a chance.” guler’s remarks suggest a measured approach, prioritizing a period of assessment before outlining any specific policy stances or expectations. His willingness to give the new leadership space to implement its agenda reflects a commitment to stability and a desire for constructive engagement.

Turkey’s Stance on Kurdish Separatists in Syria

Turkish foreign policy in Syria is largely defined by its focus on countering Kurdish separatist groups. This focus has become even more pronounced as the formation of the new Syrian government, with which Turkey sees eye-to-eye on the issue. As Turkish official Ahmet Davutoglu explained, “Turkey’s priority in Syria is the fight against Kurdish separatists from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the People’s defense Forces – a goal supported by the new government in Syria.” This shared objective reflects a complex geopolitical landscape in the region, where Kurdish aspirations for autonomy clash with Turkish concerns about separatism and territorial integrity. The Turkish government views Kurdish groups like the PKK and YPG as existential threats and has taken a strong stance against them, both militarily and diplomatically. The complex geopolitical landscape of Syria is further elaborate by diverging perspectives on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). While the United States recognizes the SDF’s vital role in the fight against ISIS,notably during the group’s territorial losses in 2019,Turkey maintains a starkly contrasting stance. Turkey classifies the SDF as a terrorist organization, a position directly at odds with the Biden administration’s view. “Ankara also considers the Syrian Democratic Forces a terrorist group, which contradicts the position of the US administration of Joe Biden, which believes that the group has played a significant role in preventing the rise of Islamic State jihadists in syria,” a source notes.

Turkey Calls for Shift in US Stance

Recent statements from Turkish officials indicate a desire for a change in the United States’ position on a particular matter. While the specific issue remains unclear, the call for reassessment underscores the importance of the relationship between the two nations. Turkish official Ibrahim Kalin directly addressed this difference of opinion, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the US stance.In a statement, Kalin stated, “We told our American friends that we expect a reassessment of their position.”

turkey Calls for Shift in US Stance

Recent statements from Turkish officials indicate a desire for a change in the United States’ position on a particular matter. While the specific issue remains unclear, the call for reassessment underscores the importance of the relationship between the two nations. turkish official Ibrahim Kalin directly addressed this difference of opinion, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the US stance. In a statement, Kalin stated, “We told our American friends that we expect a reassessment of their position.”
## Interview: Navigating the Complexities of Turkey’s Role in Syria



**host:** Welcome back to Archyde Insight. Today, we’ll be dedicating the show to examining Turkey’s ever-expanding influence in Syria. Joining us today is Dr. Ahmet Özcan, a leading expert on Turkish foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairs. Dr. Özcan, thank you for being here.



**Dr. Özcan:** It’s my pleasure to be with you today.



**Host:** Let’s start with the recent shift in power in Syria. As you know, rebel forces backed by Turkey have successfully ousted the Assad regime. How do you see this impacting the regional power dynamic?



**Dr. Özcan:** This is a seismic shift indeed, marking a new era for Syria.Turkey’s role in this transition is undeniable. They’ve leveraged their military prowess and political maneuvering to reshape the landscape. This success has solidified Turkey’s position as a dominant force in the region, causing ripples throughout the international community.



**Host:** You mentioned political maneuvering. Can you elaborate on Turkey’s strategic alliances in Syria, specifically regarding their partnership with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham?



**Dr. Özcan:** This is certainly a controversial aspect of Turkey’s involvement. While Ankara frames its partnership with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as necessary to combat other extremist groups and maintain stability in northern Syria,it raises serious concerns for many Western nations.



The association with a group that has ties to al-Qaeda is seen as a strategic risk, perhaps jeopardizing Turkey’s relationships with key allies. It also fuels criticism regarding Turkey’s understanding of terrorism and raises questions about its priorities in the region.



**Host:** You’ve spoken about Turkey’s assertive approach. How does this manifest in their dealings with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)?



**Dr. Özcan:** This is a delicate balancing act for all parties involved. While Turkey views the SDF as a direct threat due to its alleged links to the PKK, the US sees them as crucial partners in the fight against ISIS.



Turkey’s stance towards the SDF is a complex interplay of security concerns, domestic politics, and geopolitical considerations. It highlights the inherent complexities of alliances and the difficulty of reconciling differing perspectives on security threats.



**host:** Former President Trump famously commended Turkey’s “takeover” of Syria, praising their tactics. How accurate is this portrayal, and what are the potential long-term consequences of Turkey’s actions?



**Dr. Özcan:** Mr. Trump’s characterization certainly simplifies a vrey complex situation.



While Turkey has definately played a decisive role in shaping the Syrian landscape, portraying it as a straightforward ‘takeover’ overlooks the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and local dynamics at play.



The long-term consequences of Turkey’s actions in Syria are still unfolding.



There are concerns about the potential for renewed conflict between different armed factions, the status of Kurdish populations,



and Turkey’s intentions for long-term presence in the region.



**Host:** So, what does the future hold for Syria now under this new reality, with Turkey playing such a pivotal role?



**Dr. Özcan:** That’s the million-dollar question. The

path forward is uncertain and fraught with challenges.



Turkey’s influence is undeniable, but it faces a myriad of internal and external pressures.



The international community is closely watching Turkey’s next moves.



Negotiations, cooperation, and a willingness to address the legitimate concerns of all parties involved will be crucial for achieving lasting stability in Syria.



**Host:** Dr. Özcan,thank you for providing us with such insightful analysis.



This is definitely a situation we’ll continue to follow closely at Archyde Insight.



**Dr. Özcan:** Thank you.It’s been my pleasure.