Turkey’s Military Presence in Syria Contingent on Kurdish Militant Disbandment
Turkey is potentially willing to reassess its military role in Syria if Kurdish militant groups are eliminated, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Munich Security Conference. The focus remains on integrating these groups into a national army, amidst ongoing tensions with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani supported disarming non-state factions and including Kurds in the government.
Turkey has stated it would reevaluate its military presence in Syria if the new leadership effectively eliminates a Kurdish militant group, labeled as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, articulated this position during the Munich Security Conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who remained silent regarding these comments. This is not the first time Fidan has shared such views.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has been engaged in an insurgency against Turkey for decades, demanding increased autonomy for Kurdish people. Fidan emphasized, “We can’t tolerate armed militia in any form,” advocating for the integration of such groups into a single national army in Syria. He remarked on the new Syrian leadership’s receptiveness to this proposal.
During the conference, al-Shaibani supported the disarmament of all non-state factions and endorsed the inclusion of Kurds in the newly formed Syrian government. Since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad by insurgent groups, the presence of Turkish-backed forces in northeastern Syria has escalated, leading to more frequent confrontations with Kurdish forces.
Turkey also perceives the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed Kurdish military alliance, as an extension of the PKK, resulting in ongoing military clashes in northern Syria. Although most insurgent groups have agreed to merge into the new Syrian army, the SDF has consistently refused to comply.
A panel speaker, Hind Kabawat from the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, asserted that while Kurds are a vital part of the Syrian nation, they cannot maintain an independent military as it undermines national unity.
In summary, Turkey has indicated a readiness to reconsider its military operations in Syria contingent upon the elimination of specific Kurdish militant organizations. The dialogue between Turkish and Syrian officials at the Munich Security Conference highlighted the ongoing discord regarding the presence of Kurdish groups in Syria and their integration into a unified national framework. The dynamics surrounding the SDF and Turkish-backed forces continue to remain a critical aspect of regional security considerations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
