On December 22nd, a statement was made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that Kurdish militants would not have a role in Syria’s future, urging de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to focus on amending national security and sovereignty, according to Reuters.
The statement made by Fidan reflects the recent political shifts in Syria following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad and his oppressive regime. Until recently, the Assad regime maintained control over Syria following the Arab Spring protests in 2011. During this time, the regime led with violent oppression, which plummeted the country into a civil war that involved Kurdish groups, Islamist extremists, opposition groups, and various countries, including Turkey, the U.S., and Russia. During the Assad regime, the Y.P.G. (People’s Defense Unit) operated in the north and was seen as a Kurdish militant group that fought for Kurdish autonomy in Syria. Regardless of being known for its role in fighting I.S.I.S., Turkey remains adamant that the Y.P.G. is a terrorist group due to its ties with the P.K.K. (Kurdistan Workers Party). Both Turkey and the P.K.K. have been in an ongoing conflict since the 1980s when Turkey deemed the group a terrorist organization due to its violent activities against Turkey. Syria’s contentious political climate changed on December 8th, 2024, when opposition forces in Syria liberated the country of the Assad regime and, in turn, ended the oppressive rule in Syria. This pivotal moment not only altered the current state of Syria but also allowed for Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to meet formally.
During the meeting, an emphasis was placed on the need for the Y.P.G. militia to disband. According to Fidan, “In the coming period, the Y.P.G. must come to a point where it is no longer a threat to Syria’s national unity.” The importance of Syria’s sovereignty was highlighted, as well as the threat that the Y.P.G. poses to the country’s future. “We will take every necessary measure with the same determination until all terrorist elements beyond our borders are cleared,” stated Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler. He also expressed optimism that Syria’s new leadership will ensure the withdrawal of Y.P.G. fighters from the territories in the north. In support of Syria’s future, Fidan also stated that “The sanctions imposed on the previous regime need to be lifted as soon as possible, and the international community needs to mobilize to help Syria get back on its feet.” While the Turkish Foreign Minister did show support for Syria, he also stated that there has been a tendency to overlook the “illegality” of specific actions taken by the Y.P.G. in Syria. Sharaa stated that his “administration would announce the new defense ministry and military structure within days.” These developments highlight the delicate relationship between Turkey and Syria; a need for productive collaboration is critical between the two countries.
The call for the removal of the Y.P.G. militia group highlights how critical national security concerns are to Turkey. In Turkey’s view, the removal of militant groups will not only improve national security but also improve future relations with Syria. While removing these groups could be seen as a victory, it is important to acknowledge that Kurdish groups in Syria have historically seen the Y.P.G. as defenders against groups like the Islamic State. An aggressive militaristic approach to remove the Y.P.G. could be damaging and would further deepen division in Syria. Any efforts to remove the Y.P.G. cannot overlook the humanitarian approach needed when addressing the situation; decisions must consider the entirety of Syria’s diverse population. Additionally, Turkey’s desire to lift all international sanctions from Syria can be seen as a step in the right direction, allowing the country a chance to rebuild. If the international community follows Turkey’s lead, Syria could have the opportunity to re-enter foreign diplomacy. While the lifting of sanctions would signal a shift toward cooperation, there may be resistance from other countries that have not yet forgotten the consequences of the Assad regime. Removing such barriers will require overcoming historical differences and focusing on peaceful objectives rather than solutions involving military strength. While Turkey is adamant about the removal of militant groups from Syria, its encouragement of lifting sanctions highlights the shift in diplomacy. Further, it emphasizes giving Syria a chance to rebuild.
The meeting between Fidan and Sharaa highlights the importance of establishing stability in Syria while simultaneously addressing Turkey’s regional security concerns. While eliminating militia groups could stabilize the region, Syria must ensure there is no alienation of Kurdish communities. In the future, Syria must address the needs of all its people while simultaneously embracing cooperation with Turkey surrounding security and militant presence.
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