Turkey’s Foreign Minister Engages with Syria’s New Leadership Amid Conflict

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss support for Syria’s new administration after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The meeting underscores Turkey’s intention to assist in rebuilding Syria and managing the complexities arising from ongoing conflicts with Kurdish forces, as well as the influx of Syrian refugees in Turkey.

On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted a significant meeting with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, in Damascus. The meeting aimed to discuss the anticipated support for the new Syrian administration following the recent downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. Accompanied by a large delegation, both leaders engaged in friendly gestures including handshakes and smiles, as documented in media footage released by Turkey’s foreign ministry.

In his statements preceding the meeting, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed his country’s commitment to assisting the formation of a new governance structure in Syria and the drafting of a new constitution. This visit by Minister Fidan follows recent assurances he made regarding Turkey’s role in Syria’s future governance amid ongoing military engagements in northeastern Syria.

Ankara has a historical involvement in backing opposition forces aiming to displace Assad, and the current political landscape presents opportunities for the return of millions of Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey, post-Assad’s regime. Concurrently, heightened conflict persists between Turkey-backed Syrian forces and Kurdish factions, which the Turkish government designates as terrorist organizations, thus complicating the geopolitical reconciliation efforts.

This delicate political dynamic has escalated with ongoing military actions by Turkish forces along the Syrian border, reflecting Ankara’s commitment to its strategic interests, specifically concerning the Kurdish YPG militia, which is allied with the U.S. through the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF now faces potential military pressure following the political shifts resulting from Assad’s fall, complicating its ability to maintain its territorial integrity in the region.

Turkey’s involvement in Syria has evolved dramatically through the civil war that began over a decade ago. Initially, Turkey supported opposition groups seeking to dethrone President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an oppressive hand for over five decades. After the recent developments leading to Assad’s fall, Turkey is positioning itself to assist in rebuilding Syria while addressing the massive influx of refugees within its borders. Additionally, the relationship dynamics between different Syrian factions and Turkey reflect broader regional security interests, especially regarding Kurdish militias that Ankara has long associated with terrorism. These recent changes signal a new chapter in Syrian governance and Turkey’s influence in the region.

The meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between Turkey and a transitioning Syrian administration following Assad’s overthrow. Turkey’s proactive stance aims to shape Syria’s political future while navigating the complexities of regional security concerns, particularly in relation to Kurdish forces. As Turkey commits to rebuilding Syria and facilitating the return of refugees, these developments highlight the intricacies of post-conflict governance and the potential for further military engagement in the region.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com