The Fight for Syria: A Complex Web of Interests and Ambitions
Turkey’s Ambitions
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees himself as the patron of Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and is eager to shape the new “bright” Syria in Turkey’s image – and promote Turkey’s interests along the way.
Erdogan’s ultimate goal is to repatriate the three million Syrian refugees currently in Turkey, and prevent Kurdish nationalism from spilling over into Turkey. To achieve this, he is negotiating a defense pact with Sharaa, which would allow Turkey to establish air bases in Syria and provide training to Syria’s military.
Israel’s Role
Israel, on the other hand, believes that it deserves credit for Assad’s fall, which it attributes to Israeli military action that weakened Iran and its Lebanon-based proxy, Hezbollah.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar has pledged to “reach out and strengthen ties” with the Kurds, and the Committee for the Evaluation of the Defense Establishment Budget and the Balance of Power has recommended preparing for a possible military confrontation with Turkey in the Kurdish regions of Syria’s north.
A Complex Web of Interests
As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the interests of regional powers are becoming increasingly intertwined. Turkey, Israel, and other nations are all jockeying for position, with each side trying to promote its own agenda.
For Erdogan, the collapse of the al-Assad dynasty represented a opportunity to further his long-standing ambitions for Turkey to become the Levant’s new hegemon. However, this ambition is not without risks, as it could lead to a conflict with Israel and other regional powers.
The Road to Stability
Overcoming the legacy of centuries-long colonial rule, decades of brutal dictatorship, and the risk of state failure would be a daunting challenge for Syria’s new rulers even under ideal conditions.
However, the geopolitical ambitions of Syria’s neighbors risk making a difficult task impossible. Adding to the list of regional powers with such ambitions, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, representing two irreconcilable political visions, also aspire to influence the outcome.
Conclusion
As the situation in Syria continues to unfold, it is clear that the road to stability will be long and arduous. The interests of regional powers are increasingly intertwined, and the potential for conflict is high.
In the end, a stable Syria is in the best interest of all parties involved. Turkey and Israel must work together to promote a peaceful and inclusive solution, one that respects the rights and aspirations of all Syrians.
FAQs
Q: What are Turkey’s ambitions in Syria?
A: Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sees himself as the patron of Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and is eager to shape the new “bright” Syria in Turkey’s image – and promote Turkey’s interests along the way.
Q: What are Israel’s interests in Syria?
A: Israel believes that it deserves credit for Assad’s fall, which it attributes to Israeli military action that weakened Iran and its Lebanon-based proxy, Hezbollah.
Q: What is the significance of the defense pact between Turkey and Syria?
A: The defense pact would allow Turkey to establish air bases in Syria and provide training to Syria’s military, further solidifying Turkey’s influence in the region.
Q: What are the implications of a Kurdish-controlled state in northern Syria?
A: A Kurdish-controlled state in northern Syria could lead to a new influx of refugees and the emergence of a Kurdish proto-state along the Turkish border, which Turkey could not tolerate.