Erdogan Expects Allies to Withdraw Support for Kurds in Post-Assad Syria

Turkey’s President Erdogan expects foreign nations to withdraw support for Kurdish fighters in Syria after Assad’s fall. Amidst shifts in regional alliances, discussions involve disarming Kurdish groups and integrating them into a national security framework. U.S. officials are also engaged in facilitating a managed transition for the Syrian Democratic Forces, as hostilities in the region escalate following recent territorial victories.

President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has expressed expectations that foreign nations will cease their support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. His comments indicate Turkey’s intent to isolate the Kurds, who have cooperated with U.S. forces in the past. Additionally, Germany’s foreign minister has stated that Kurdish forces should disarm and integrate into Syria’s national security framework, while U.S. officials are facilitating a managed transition for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

During his flight back from a summit in Egypt, Erdogan remarked that there is no longer justification for external backing of the Kurdish YPG fighters, which Turkey associates with the PKK—an organization designated as a terrorist group by Ankara, the U.S., and the EU. In his statements, Erdogan equated the YPG to the Islamic State, asserting that neither group has a future in Syria. He foresees a period where collaboration with terrorist organizations will cease.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, after discussions with her Turkish counterpart, emphasized the importance of securing the Kurdish community for a free Syria while addressing Turkey’s security concerns for overall stability. Baerbock directed that Kurdish groups should disarm and become part of the national security apparatus.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, noted that Washington is engaging with Turkey and the SDF to orchestrate a managed transition concerning the SDF’s role in the region. Leaf acknowledged that the conditions that caused the Kurds to organize for defense have dramatically changed. Currently, the U.S. maintains approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, cooperating with the YPG-led SDF, which was pivotal in the defeat of Islamic State fighters between 2014 and 2017.

Ankara has conducted multiple cross-border operations against the YPG-led SDF in northern Syria, consistently urging Washington to withdraw support from the Kurdish fighters. Following Assad’s ousting, hostilities intensified, demonstrated by Turkey and its allies capturing Manbij from the SDF, which led to U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations.

Erdogan articulated a vision for a new Syria where harmony among ethnic and religious communities prevails, asserting the need to eliminate threats posed by organizations such as ISIS and the PKK. He remarked that the existence of the PKK and its affiliates is nearing an end.

In acknowledgment of Turkey’s conditions, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated that Kurdish fighters from outside Syria would withdraw should a truce with Turkey be established. This marks a significant concession as Abdi recognized the involvement of international fighters, including PKK members, in the SDF, although he claims their presence would not be required in a truce scenario. Meanwhile, a Turkish Defense Ministry official stated that no ceasefire discussions are occurring, affirming continued counter-terrorism actions until the PKK/YPG disarms and foreign fighters exit Syria.

In conclusion, President Erdogan’s statements underscore Turkey’s firm stance against Kurdish forces in Syria, signaling an expectation that ally nations will also withdraw support following Assad’s regime fall. The intertwined dynamics of international involvement, local security frameworks, and the persistent threat of terrorism shape the evolving landscape in Syria, demanding an integrated approach for stability. As discussions of disarmament and potential truces continue, the region remains in a state of flux, particularly regarding the role of Kurdish forces in the future of Syria.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com