Turkey Reinforces Support for New Syrian Government, Warns Israel and Kurdish Fighters

Strategic Insights -

Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, expressed his country's support for the new Syrian government, warning Israel and the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to cease actions threatening its stability. Speaking during a news conference in Ankara with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Fidan accused Israel and the SDF of undermining Syria's efforts to reestablish itself after years of civil war.

As the Syrian government works to heal the wounds of nearly 14 years of conflict, tensions have risen between the central government and the SDF, which controls northeastern Syria. The SDF has stalled the implementation of an agreement reached in March to merge with the new Syrian army, and there have been outbreaks of violence between the two sides. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has criticized a recent conference held by the SDF, which called for the formation of a decentralized state and a new constitution guaranteeing religious, cultural, and ethnic pluralism.

Turkey views the SDF with hostility, as the group is spearheaded by the People's Protection Units (YPG), affiliated with the Kurdish group that recently entered a long-standing ceasefire. The SDF has denied being a party to the deal between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Fidan accused the SDF of trying to turn instability in Syria into an opportunity for themselves, warning that Turkey would not tolerate their actions.

In a significant development, Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding with Syria on "Joint Training and Advisory Cooperation," with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra signing the agreement in Ankara. This move comes amid rising tensions between Turkey and the SDF, with Syria requesting Turkey's support to strengthen its defense capabilities following sectarian violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkey has publicly reinforced its support for the new Syrian government, warning Israel and the Kurds to cease actions threatening Syria's stability.
  • Israeli actions are accused by the Syrian government of undermining its security, while Turkey views the Kurdish SDF with hostility due to its affiliation with the PKK.
  • The implementation of an agreement to merge the SDF with the new Syrian army has stalled, and there have been outbreaks of violence between the two sides.
  • The Syrian government has criticized a recent conference held by the SDF, which called for the formation of a decentralized state and a new constitution guaranteeing pluralism.
  • Turkey has signed a memorandum of understanding with Syria on "Joint Training and Advisory Cooperation" to strengthen its defense capabilities.
  • The deal between Turkey and the PKK excludes the SDF, which has denied being a party to the agreement.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 14 years of civil war have ravaged Syria, with ongoing violence between the central government and the SDF.
  • Hundreds have been killed in recent clashes between government forces and local Bedouin tribesmen, as well as between the SDF and local fighters.
  • The SDF has control over northeastern Syria, where a recent conference was held calling for a decentralized state and a new constitution.
  • Turkey views the SDF with hostility due to its affiliation with the PKK, which has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish government.

Sources:

  • AP: "Turkey reinforces support for Syria, warns Israel, Kurds" (Sept 28, 2022)
  • Turkish Defense Ministry: "Joint Training and Advisory Cooperation" (announced on X, Sept 28, 2022)
  • Syrian government: statement criticizing the SDF conference, no date mentioned