The Syrian conflict, now in its 13th year, has seen many nations involve themselves for various reasons. One of the countries that have played a significant and complex role is Turkey. In the wake of recent developments in Syria, particularly the fall of Aleppo to insurgent forces, Turkey has made its presence known through a series of actions and policies that challenge the ongoing decisions made by other players, including the Syrian government and its allies. Turkey drives its actions with its own security concerns and the shifting balance of power in the region.
Turkey’s Concerns and Strategic Interests
A mix of security concerns, political motives, and regional ambitions has shaped Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian conflict. One of Turkey’s primary worries has been the Kurdish groups operating in Syria, which it views as a threat to its own territorial integrity. These Kurdish groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the People’s Defense Units (YPG), have been fighting for autonomy in northern Syria, an area close to the Turkish border.
Turkey considers these Kurdish groups to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an organization it has fought for decades within its own borders. For Turkey, the rise of Kurdish autonomy in Syria represents a direct challenge to its national security. As such, Turkey has focused much of its military efforts on limiting the growth and influence of these groups. To achieve this, Turkey has backed various Syrian opposition factions in the northwest and has launched multiple military operations in the region.
Turkey’s military presence in Syria has been met with resistance from the Syrian government, which accuses Turkey of violating Syrian sovereignty. However, Turkey has been adamant that its actions are necessary to ensure its security. The country has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate any Kurdish-controlled zones along its border and that it will take action if necessary.
A Challenge to the Assad Regime and Regional Alliances
Turkey’s actions in Syria have not been limited to battling Kurdish groups. They also extend to challenging the authority of Bashar al-Assad’s government. The fall of Aleppo, once considered a victory for Assad’s regime, has highlighted the shifting dynamics in the country. Turkey, along with other regional powers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has supported opposition groups that have fought against Assad’s rule.
As the Syrian conflict has dragged on, Turkey has become increasingly frustrated with Assad’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks. Turkey views the continuation of Assad’s rule as unacceptable, as it sees the Syrian leader as an ally of groups that threaten its interests.. These include Iran, which has supported Assad’s government militarily and politically, and Russia, which has also backed Assad’s regime.
Turkey’s Growing Opposition to Assad’s Regime
Turkey has been critical of the growing influence of Iran and Russia in Syria, particularly after these countries helped Assad’s forces recapture key cities like Aleppo. Turkey has used its military presence and alliances with opposition groups as a counterweight to the growing influence of both Iran and Russia in the region. Despite the challenges it faces, Turkey has remained committed to its goal of limiting Assad’s control and ensuring that Syrian opposition groups retain influence in the north.
In the aftermath of Aleppo’s fall, Turkey’s position has become even more complicated. While some regional players have blamed external factors like Israeli airstrikes for the collapse of Aleppo, Turkey sees the internal weaknesses of the Assad regime as a more important factor. The swift loss of Aleppo demonstrates how fragile Assad’s control is, despite the backing of foreign powers like Iran and Russia. Turkey has been vocal in its opposition to the Assad regime’s continued rule and has challenged the idea that the Syrian government can regain full control over the country.
Turkey’s Military Presence and Diplomatic Maneuvers
In addition to its support for opposition forces, Turkey has maintained a significant military presence in northern Syria. Over the years, Turkey has established several military outposts in the region, and its troops have clashed with both Syrian government forces and Kurdish groups. Turkey has been careful to avoid direct confrontation with Assad’s forces, but it has made it clear that it will take action to protect its interests.
Turkey’s military operations in Syria have been aimed at securing territory and disrupting the activities of Kurdish groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists. These operations, such as “Operation Olive Branch” and “Operation Peace Spring,” have involved both airstrikes and ground troops and have targeted Kurdish fighters in regions like Afrin and Manbij.
Turkey has also used diplomacy to challenge the decisions made by Assad and his allies. For example, Turkey has closely worked with Russia and Iran in the so-called Astana process, which aimed to negotiate a peace settlement for Syria. However, Turkey has often found itself at odds with Russia and Iran over the future of Syria, particularly when it comes to the role of Assad in the country’s future.
In addition to its military and diplomatic efforts, Turkey has also used its influence with the Syrian opposition to push for a political solution that would see Assad removed from power. Turkey has provided significant support to opposition groups, offering them training, weapons, and logistical assistance. This support has helped ensure that these groups remain a viable force in the conflict, despite the overwhelming power of Assad’s regime and its allies.