The political upheaval in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad has prompted Israel and Turkey to assert their influence over the region. Israel is expanding its military presence in response to potential threats, while Turkey is actively fostering the Syrian National Army to oust Kurdish forces. Both countries aim to reshape Syria’s governance and security landscape amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The recent ousting of long-time Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has not only altered the political landscape in Syria but has also prompted significant shifts in its territorial integrity, particularly along its borders with Israel and Turkey. Following Assad’s removal by Islamist-led forces, Israel rapidly expanded its military presence in the region, encroaching eastward into a buffer zone established by a 1974 ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated Israel’s concerns regarding the rise of terrorist factions in the power vacuum, emphasizing that Israel would not allow jihadist groups to threaten its communities. This advance is deemed provisional, contingent upon the new governing authority in Syria, now led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), committing to peace agreements.
Turkey, meanwhile, has escalated its involvement in northern Syria, aiming to exert influence over a substantial area in the aftermath of Assad’s fall. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is particularly focused on countering Kurdish factions linked to the PKK, a group that has sought autonomy within Turkey. The Syrian National Army, supported by Ankara, has recently captured key territories from Syrian Democratic Forces, showcasing Turkey’s assertiveness in shaping the future political landscape of Syria. Erdogan’s overarching ambition includes establishing a buffer zone along the extensive Syria-Turkey border, although complete realization of this objective appears challenging.
In the contested Golan Heights, Israel has enhanced its territorial control, a region it seized from Syria during the 1967 war. Prior to Assad’s downfall, Israel governed approximately two-thirds of the Golan, which provides strategic military oversight and agricultural benefits. Though the United Nations regards this territory as Syrian, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty by the Trump administration in 2019 adds complexity to the dispute.
Local sentiments within the Golan Heights reflect a mix of relief and caution. For instance, Dolan Abu Salah, a community leader, expressed that the downfall of Assad brought joy to the Druze residents, alongside a considerable emphasis on security concerns. He articulated, “If we see that the new regime is potentially another terrorist group that will set the agenda, then the security zone must be permanent.” This underscores the delicate balance between local aspirations and broader geopolitical dynamics.
Moreover, Turkish officials have indicated their desire to engage with HTS as they navigate the evolving political reality in Syria. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked on Turkey’s intention not to appear as the dominant regional power but emphasized their recognition of HTS as a legitimate interlocutor. The foremost concern for Turkey is the management of millions of Syrian refugees and the potential economic opportunities that reconstruction efforts could provide.
In essence, the interplay between Israel and Turkey in shaping the future of Syria embodies a complex mix of security, territorial ambitions, and competing interests, as both nations maneuver to redefine their influence in a post-Assad environment.
The geopolitical landscape of Syria is undergoing significant transformation following the ousting of Bashar Assad. Israel and Turkey are both leveraging this upheaval to expand their territorial and political influence. Israel’s historical control over the Golan Heights permits it strategic advantages over southern Syria, while Turkey seeks to counter Kurdish aspirations and solidify its presence in northern Syria. This dual approach by Israel and Turkey may fundamentally reshape the future of Syria as they each uphold distinct national interests in the face of regional instability following the Assad regime’s collapse.
In summary, the recent transformation of Syria’s political dynamics post-Assad involves aggressive maneuvers by both Israel and Turkey to secure their respective interests. Israel’s military strategies focus on preventing extremist groups from threatening its borders, while Turkey’s actions are largely directed towards establishing territorial control and countering Kurdish movements. The outcomes of these efforts will likely have long-lasting implications for Syria’s reconstruction and stability in the wider Middle East region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
