Turkey is seeking Saudi Arabia and UAE support to stabilize Syria following the collapse of Assad’s regime. With a cautious approach to avoid past mistakes, Turkey aims for regional cooperation, emphasizing a neutral Syria that does not threaten others. Engagement with Gulf nations reflects a broader goal of preventing Iranian or Turkish domination in the area, with the involvement of international powers also critical for reconstruction efforts.
Turkey is actively pursuing the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its efforts to stabilize Syria following the rapid decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Turkish officials approach this initiative with caution, determined not to repeat the chaos witnessed during the Arab Spring of the 2010s. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is particularly focused on engaging Gulf nations, whose hesitance towards movements like the Muslim Brotherhood poses a unique challenge for Turkey’s ambitions in Syria.
In a recent announcement, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of recognizing the concerns of Gulf nations, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE, regarding the political future of Syria. He asserted that Turkey aims for a neutral Syria that does not pose a threat to regional security and highlighted the necessity of cooperation among neighboring nations. As Erdogan is scheduled to attend a Cairo summit to discuss Syria’s governmental structure with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the geopolitical dynamics of the region remain crucial in shaping the agenda of a post-Assad Syria.
Despite longstanding denials of direct support for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, Turkey’s influence over the group remains apparent. Erdogan’s assurance of military and logistical assistance to HTS reflects Turkey’s deeper involvement in formulating Syria’s future. During a recent summit in Aqaba, Jordan, Fidan coordinated with various stakeholders, discussing Syria’s need for an inclusive and representative government that prioritizes minority rights and coexists peacefully with its neighbors.
Ankara is keen on utilizing diplomatic avenues to mitigate any Iranian or Turkish hegemony in the region, advocating instead for a cooperative framework among Middle Eastern nations. Such cooperation could prevent external interference and stabilize Syria in the long run. This strategic shift has already started to influence Gulf leaders’ perceptions, with indications of potential investment in Syria’s economy from the UAE.
However, Turkey’s plans face challenges, particularly with Russia’s military presence in Syria and its ongoing relationship with HTS. As Turkey seeks to define Syria’s recovery with the backing of Gulf nations and Western powers, the broader geopolitical implications remain significant, especially concerning Russia’s role and the potential for a longer-term stabilization in Syria.
In summary, Turkey aims to navigate complex geopolitical waters through regional cooperation and cautious diplomacy with Gulf allies as it seeks to stabilize Syria, acknowledging the need to balance local dynamics with external influences, particularly from Russia and Iran.
The situation in Syria has drastically changed following the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, prompting neighboring countries to reconsider their roles in the region. Turkey’s historical engagement in Syria and its support for various factions complicate its relationships with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The ongoing conflict has led to a highly volatile political climate, where different factions are vying for control amidst concerns over terrorism and governance. This necessitates a collaborative approach among Middle Eastern states to ensure stability and address humanitarian needs as reconstruction efforts commence.
Turkey’s diplomatic outreach to Saudi Arabia and the UAE represents a critical step towards stabilizing Syria, emphasizing regional cooperation to avert future conflicts. By advocating for a neutral government in Syria, Turkey aims to balance regional interests and counter external domination. However, the successful realization of these objectives will depend significantly on the role of key stakeholders, especially Russia and Iran, as Turkey navigates this complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
