Turkey is seeking support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to stabilize Syria following the collapse of Assad’s regime. Turkish officials aim to forge alliances to prevent chaos similar to the Arab Spring. President Erdogan plans to discuss Syria’s future during a summit in Cairo, emphasizing the need for a non-threatening Syria and collaboration among regional powers. The dynamics include addressing Iranian influence while securing funding for reconstruction efforts from Gulf and Western nations, amid the complexity introduced by Russia’s military presence in Syria.
Turkey is actively courting support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to navigate the complex political landscape in Syria following the rapid collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. With the intent to stabilize the country, Turkish officials aim to forge alliances that could prevent a repeat of the chaos seen during the Arab Spring. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to address concerns raised by these Gulf nations, particularly regarding the Islamist movements in Syria, during an upcoming summit in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The Turkish government recognizes the necessity of cooperation with regional allies to establish a viable and representative government in Syria, which has faced immense turmoil as it grapples with internal strife and external aggressions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Turkey’s understanding of groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been pivotal in the recent political developments. Ankara has rejected claims of providing direct support to HTS while simultaneously acknowledging its influence over the group.
In discussions with various stakeholders, including Gulf states and Western powers, Turkey has made it clear that a non-threatening Syria is paramount. Fidan articulated this stance, stating, “Our wish is the emergence of a Syria that does not pose a threat to other countries – especially in terms of terrorism.”
The initiative to create a neutral Syria is inherently linked to the regional balance of power, particularly with respect to Iranian and Turkish influences. Turkey is advocating for a collaborative framework among regional actors, positing that without mutual respect and cooperation, external forces would exacerbate conflicts and disrupt stability. Additionally, Fidan remarked on the need for a collaborative effort from nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to forge a new regional paradigm.
Turkey’s outreach to the UAE signals a potential re-evaluation of the latter’s previous support for Assad’s regime, with indications that the UAE may take an active role in investing in Syria’s recovery efforts. However, Turkey anticipates significant funding for rebuilding from both Gulf nations and Western nations, including engagement from the European Union, which has shown openness to supporting Syria’s recovery.
Despite Turkey’s diplomatic maneuvers, the presence of Russian military forces in Syria presents a significant challenge. Some EU member states have expressed the need for Russian withdrawal before committing support, while Moscow continues to negotiate with HTS for strategic positioning. Turkey hopes that with concerted efforts, both Russia and Iran might recognize a new HTS-led administration that could lead toward stability.
The state of Syria has been unstable since the onset of civil war in 2011, culminating in the rapid disarray of the Assad regime. With a population of approximately 20 million, Syria requires significant regional and international backing for reconstruction and governance reforms. Turkey, having historically engaged with various groups within Syria, seeks to avoid past missteps and emphasizes the importance of a neutral, non-threatening state in broader regional stability.
Turkey’s strategic outreach to Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects its commitment to stabilizing Syria amid ongoing geopolitical complexities. By encouraging cooperative regional relationships and addressing mutual concerns regarding terrorism and influence, Turkey aims to reshape the future governance of Syria, while navigating the significant hurdles posed by external powers such as Russia and Iran. Engaging Gulf nations could prove critical for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, necessitating a balanced approach that respects the sovereignty of all involved countries.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
