Turkey has reinstated its embassy in Damascus following Bashar al-Assad’s ousting, marking a pivotal shift in regional power dynamics. President Erdoğan is strategically capitalizing on this opportunity, reinforcing his domestic image as a protector of Syrian refugees while facilitating Turkey’s influence over Kurdish regions and supporting reconstruction efforts in Syria. These developments open up new avenues for Turkish foreign policy, reflecting a significant transformation in the geopolitical context of the region.
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s flight to Moscow, Turkey promptly reinstated its presence in Syria by raising its flag at the reopened embassy in Damascus after 12 years. The move represented a significant shift in the political dynamics of the region, particularly following the arrival of Turkey’s spy chief, Ibrahim Kalin, who visited Damascus amid the transformations brought by the political upheaval. This event garnered favorable responses from analysts, who are now interpreting Ankara’s maneuvering as a strategic win for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, especially regarding Turkish influence over the Kurdish regions in northern Syria and the reconstruction efforts in the country.
Analysts note that Turkey’s long-standing strategy of delaying direct engagements with local factions allowed it to capitalize on the changing power dynamics effectively. Kalin’s visit was regarded as a decisive signal of Turkey’s growing influence post-Assad, progressing beyond merely support to exerting political influence. Turkish officials had previously sought to encourage dialogue among conflicting parties, but the unwavering resistance from Assad proved counterproductive, allowing Turkish-backed groups to gain ground while Erdoğan publicly backed opposition movements.
Erdoğan is utilizing the geopolitical climate following Assad’s fall to reassure his domestic base, which includes managing the sentiment surrounding Syrian refugees within Turkey. Following Assad’s downfall, Turkish officials voiced intentions to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians, claiming that the stability brought by the new leadership would support this transition. This aligns with Erdoğan’s agenda of reinforcing his status as a protector of Syrian nationals while catering to nationalist sentiments within Turkey.
While Turkey recently initiated outreach towards Kurdish factions it previously viewed as adversaries, the current shifts in Syria signify a pivotal opportunity for Turkish expansion. Turkish-backed forces are aggressively moving against U.S.-aligned Kurdish groups, thereby extending Ankara’s territorial ambitions in northern Syria significantly. The upward trajectory of Turkish influence is evident as towns like Manbij have fallen to Turkish forces without drawing extensive international attention, demonstrating a newfound control that was previously unattainable.
As Ankara’s strategy crystallizes, officials have articulated their intentions to support certain Kurdish representations while rejecting any establishment of independent Kurdish governance. The new political landscape in post-Assad Syria offers Turkey substantial leverage, with Turkish-backed groups poised to play a crucial role in rebuilding and investment endeavors within the war-torn nation, all while retaining a strategic foothold in the region.
The recent political climate in Syria has shifted dramatically following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, who has held power for over five decades. The departure of Assad marks a significant turning point, with potential ramifications not only for Syrian citizens but also for neighboring countries, particularly Turkey. Historically, Turkey has aimed to influence the region by balancing its relationships with various local factions while maintaining its image as a supporter of Islamic causes. As a result of recent events, Ankara has identified opportunities to bolster its influence, especially amidst the power transitions occurring in Syria.
In summary, Turkey appears to be in a strong position after the fall of Assad, leveraging the situation to augment its influence in Syria. Erdoğan’s handling of the dynamics surrounding Syrian refugees and the country’s reconstruction efforts has the potential to reshape Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy. As the new political landscape unfolds, it is evident that Ankara’s strategic maneuvers are likely to yield significant advantages in the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
