Turkey indicates its willingness to reconsider military involvement in Syria if Kurdish militant groups are dismantled, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Munich Security Conference. This follows ongoing tensions between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish groups, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces, deemed affiliates of the PKK. The integration of Kurdish forces into a national army is a central theme in the dialogue surrounding Syria’s future governance.
Turkey has stated it would reassess its military operations in northeastern Syria contingent upon the elimination of a Kurdish militant group, which is officially branded as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan articulated these views during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing Turkey’s intolerance for any armed militia, which he believes should be consolidated under a singular national army in Syria.
Fidan’s comments come alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s acknowledgment of efforts to disarm non-state organizations and integrate Kurdish individuals into Syria’s governance. Turkey’s heightened military presence in northeastern Syria has been a response to the actions of insurgents following the fall of former President Bashar Assad. Notably, Turkish-backed forces have intensified their confrontations with Kurdish factions, whom Turkey perceives as extensions of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
While most insurgent groups have agreed to assimilate into a unified Syrian army, the SDF remains resistant. During the conference, Hind Kabawat from the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution asserted that while Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian populace, maintaining an independent military force contradicts national unity.
In summary, Turkey’s reconsideration of its military role in Syria hinges on the dismantlement of Kurdish militant groups, which Turkey and its allies classify as terrorist entities. The Turkish government advocates for the integration of armed factions into a unified national military, while Kurdish representation in governance remains a contentious topic. The discussions at the Munich Security Conference reflect significant geopolitical dynamics within the region, emphasizing the need for unity and stability in Syria.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
