Turkey’s Stance on Kurdish Groups in Syria: A Call for Action
Turkey asserts it will take decisive action against Kurdish groups in Syria if concerns are not addressed by the new administration, viewing the YPG as a terrorist threat. Recent geopolitical shifts following Assad’s fall have heightened tensions, prompting Turkey’s military ambitions in northern Syria, while U.S. support for the SDF faces scrutiny.
On December 21, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that Turkey would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security should the newly appointed Syrian administration fail to address Turkey’s concerns regarding U.S.-allied Kurdish groups, which it regards as terrorist organizations. Fidan clarified that the People’s Protection Units (YPG), an essential component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is seen by Turkey as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), known for its long-standing insurgency against Turkey. The complex territorial and political dynamics following the recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad have heightened tensions in the region, prompting Turkey to seize control of Manbij from the SDF earlier this month.
In an interview, Fidan emphasized Turkey’s preference for a peaceful resolution where the new Syrian leadership would address these issues with respect to the country’s territorial integrity. He stressed the immediate need for the disbandment of the YPG. If the administration in Damascus is unresponsive, Fidan indicated that military actions would be on the table for Turkey, stating, “whatever it takes.” He advised the SDF to pursue peace negotiations with Damascus rather than Turkey, highlighting a shift in the regional power dynamics after Assad’s regime change.
The conflict has led Ankara to intensify operations against the YPG in northern Syria, urging its NATO ally, the United States, to cease its support for the SDF. While the SDF played a crucial role in combating ISIS from 2014 to 2017 with American backing, recent increases in U.S. troop presence have not been welcomed by Turkey. Fidan criticized the current anti-ISIS efforts as merely a justification for continued support of the SDF.
Additionally, he remarked on historical collaborations between Turkey and the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham regarding intelligence sharing against shared threats, particularly ISIS and al-Qaeda. Fidan further stated that Turkey stands against the permanency of foreign military bases within Syria, including those belonging to Russia, affirming that this decision rests with the Syrian populace.
The geopolitical landscape surrounding Syria has become increasingly complex as the fallout from the civil war continues to evolve. Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, various factions within the country have scrambled for power and control, particularly the Kurdish groups, who seek to maintain the political gains they have achieved over the past decade. Turkey perceives the YPG, leading the SDF, as a terrorist threat due to its links to the PKK, an organization designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. Turkey’s involvement in northern Syria has included several military operations aimed at counteracting this perceived threat, creating tensions with both the U.S. and Syrian Kurdish forces. As international dynamics shift, Turkey’s bold stance underlines its commitment to national security and territorial integrity.
In summary, Turkey’s Foreign Minister has indicated a firm stance regarding Kurdish groups in Syria, vowing to take all necessary actions to protect Turkish national security if the new Syrian administration does not address Turkey’s concerns. The recent geopolitical shifts following Assad’s exit have complicated relations within Syria, particularly regarding the YPG and SDF. Turkey’s military actions and demands for an end to U.S. support for Kurdish forces emphasize the urgency of resolving these tensions to avoid further conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
