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Turkey Seeks Regional Support for Syria’s Political Future

Turkey is soliciting support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to establish a new Syrian government post-Assad’s regime collapse. Turkish officials are cautious, aiming to prevent past mistakes from the Arab Spring while seeking regional collaboration. Discussions focus on forming a neutral Syrian state that respects regional security dynamics, with challenges posed by Russia’s military presence complicating the situation.

Turkey is actively seeking support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to shape a new governmental framework for Syria following the abrupt weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Turkish officials are cautious and intent on avoiding past mistakes from the Arab Spring while emphasizing the necessity of regional and western collaboration to stabilize the nation, which has a population of 20 million.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to engage Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, recognizing their concerns regarding Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkey appreciates the need for a coordinated approach to ensure a stable and non-sectarian Syrian government. Meetings between Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi focus on shared issues, particularly regarding Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that has emerged strongly in Damascus.

Though Turkey has historically denied direct support for HTS, it has acknowledged its influence over the group. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “No one knows this group better than Turkey.” This internal dynamic adds complexity to Turkey’s diplomatic efforts as it aims to navigate various international influences and relationships.

Ankara’s strategy promotes a neutral Syria that does not threaten its neighbors, particularly in terms of terrorism. Fidan stated their aspiration for a secure regional environment devoid of Iranian or Turkish dominance, fostering collaboration among nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar to avoid external influence that could lead to conflict.

Turkey’s initiative has begun to change perceptions within the Gulf, prompting a shift in rhetoric among leaders supportive of Assad. Economic reconstruction efforts in Syria are now seen as a regional priority, with renewed interest from the UAE as they emphasize their willingness to invest in the country’s recovery. This development highlights the importance of foreign funding in any rebuilding efforts.

However, Russia’s military presence in Syria complicates the situation, with many EU member states calling for its withdrawal before committing to assistance. Moscow’s ongoing negotiations with HTS officials may impact the future military landscape and governance in Syria, potentially influencing the stabilization efforts Turkey advocates.

The current geopolitical landscape of Syria is deeply affected by years of conflict, compounded by the recent shift in governance dynamics following the weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Following the Arab Spring, various nations have sought to align their foreign policy to avoid further instability. Turkey’s play for support from regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE aims to build lasting infrastructure for a new, stable Syrian administration that is inclusive and respects the sovereign rights of neighboring countries.

In conclusion, Turkey’s pursuit of Saudi Arabian and UAE support reflects its strategic intent to reshape Syria’s political future while mitigating the risks of past regional upheavals. This initiative, which emphasizes neutrality and regional cooperation, aims to establish a stable governance model for Syria, crucial for reconstruction and long-term peace. However, Turkey’s efforts must navigate the complexities posed by external influences, particularly from Russia, to succeed in its objectives.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net

Raj Patel

Raj Patel is a prominent journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the field. After graduating with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, he began his career as a news anchor before transitioning to reporting. His work has been featured in several prominent outlets, where he has reported on various topics ranging from global politics to local community issues. Raj's expertise in delivering informative and engaging news pieces has established him as a trusted voice in contemporary journalism.

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