President Erdogan states Turkey expects allies to stop supporting Kurdish fighters in post-Assad Syria. Germany affirms the need for Kurdish disarmament while the U.S. seeks a managed transition for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ongoing military tensions highlight the complex dynamics following Assad’s potential ousting.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed expectations that foreign nations will cease their support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the potential overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This statement comes as Turkey aims to marginalize the Kurds, who have historically allied with U.S. forces. Erdogan remarked that there is no justification for international backing of the Kurdish YPG group, which Turkey associates with the PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Ankara and its allies.
During discussions in Ankara, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the necessity of addressing Turkey’s security concerns alongside ensuring Kurdish security for stability in Syria. She stated, “The Kurdish groups must be disarmed and integrated into the national security structure.”
Barbara Leaf, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, noted Washington’s collaboration with Ankara and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to establish a “managed transition” for the SDF in the region. Leaf highlighted the changing circumstances that led to Kurdish self-defense efforts.
Despite the U.S. maintaining approximately 2,000 troops in Syria and working with the YPG-led SDF to combat Islamic State militants, Turkey has conducted multiple military operations against Kurdish forces. Following a recent escalation after Assad’s fall, Turkey captured the city of Manbij, prompting U.S. intervention to facilitate a ceasefire.
Erdogan conveyed his vision for a united Syria, where all ethnicities and religions coexist peacefully, asserting that, “Islamic State, the PKK and its versions which threaten the survival of Syria need to be eradicated.” Furthermore, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi indicated that Kurdish fighters from abroad would withdraw if a truce with Turkey is reached, which addresses one of Ankara’s primary demands. Nevertheless, Turkey’s Defence Ministry stated that counter-terrorism operations would persist until the PKK/YPG disarms and foreign fighters leave the region.
In summary, President Erdogan anticipates that international allies will retract support for Kurdish forces in Syria as the region undergoes significant changes post-Assad. Key discussions regarding the disarmament of Kurdish groups and the integration of their forces into the national security framework underscore the intricate diplomatic negotiations in the area. The evolving geopolitical landscape continues to challenge the balance between Turkish security concerns and Kurdish autonomy in Syria.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
