"Turkey has been wanting that piece of real estate for a long time," Trump remarked, highlighting the historical significance of Syria to Turkish interests. He emphasized that the operation was conducted with minimal casualties, underscoring Turkey's military prowess.
The Assad regime's fall on December 8 has led to significant geopolitical shifts in the region. Turkey's influence in northern Syria has expanded, with Turkish-backed rebels consolidating control over key territories. This development has elicited varied reactions from international stakeholders.
Israeli officials have expressed apprehension regarding Turkey's growing presence in Syria. Ruth Wasserman Lande, an Israeli scholar, cautioned against assuming that Turkish dominance would lead to regional stability. She highlighted Erdogan's connections to radical Islamist groups and advised the U.S. to remain vigilant, especially given Turkey's NATO membership and its support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The U.S. currently maintains approximately 900 troops in eastern Syria, primarily focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State militants. When questioned about the future of American forces in the region, Trump was non-committal, stating, "We'll see what happens." He emphasized Turkey's significant role in the region, suggesting that Ankara's military capabilities could influence future U.S. decisions.
Turkey's involvement in Syria has been multifaceted. Ankara has long opposed Assad's regime and has supported various opposition groups throughout the Syrian conflict. The recent developments have positioned Turkey as a pivotal player in shaping Syria's future political landscape.
Erdogan's government has also been involved in discussions with other international actors regarding Syria's reconstruction and governance. Turkey's Defense Minister, Yasar Guler, expressed readiness to support the new Syrian government, including providing military training. Additionally, Turkey's intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, recently visited Damascus, signaling Ankara's intent to play a central role in Syria's post-Assad era.
The rapid changes in Syria have also impacted Kurdish groups in the region. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who have been key allies of the U.S. in the fight against Islamic State, now face uncertainties. Turkey has historically viewed Kurdish militias as a security threat and has conducted operations against them. The shifting dynamics raise questions about the future of Kurdish autonomy and their role in Syria's evolving political environment.
As the international community adjusts to the new reality in Syria, the role of external powers remains critical. The U.S., under Trump's incoming administration, will need to navigate its relationship with Turkey, balance its commitments to Kurdish allies, and address concerns from other regional players like Israel. The situation presents both opportunities and challenges for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Turkey's strategic position and its recent actions in Syria have reinforced its influence in the region. Erdogan's ability to leverage military operations to achieve political objectives demonstrates a calculated approach to regional politics. However, this assertiveness also brings potential risks, including heightened tensions with neighboring countries and the possibility of further conflicts.