Turkey’s President Erdogan expects allies to end support for Kurdish fighters after Assad’s fall, emphasizing the need to isolate them as terrorist threats. Discussions involve disarming and integrating Kurds into Syria’s security structure, while the U.S. seeks managed transitions for Syrian Democratic Forces. Recent hostilities and the Turkish aim for a harmonious Syria highlight the complexity of regional security.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan has stated that he anticipates foreign allies to withdraw their support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. This statement underlines Ankara’s aim to isolate Kurds, especially those allied with U.S. forces. Furthermore, Germany’s Foreign Minister asserted that the Kurdish forces should disarm and integrate into Syria’s national security framework, while U.S. officials are exploring transition plans for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria.
Erdogan expressed a belief that there is no justification for continued external support of the Kurdish YPG, equating it to terrorist organizations like the Islamic State. He asserted that terrorist affiliations would soon face significant challenges. Mentioning the current geopolitical climate, he stated that collaboration with such organizations is unlikely as the world shifts towards stability post-Assad.
Following discussions in Ankara, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledged the importance of Kurdish security in developing a stable Syria but emphasized that Turkish security concerns must be addressed as part of this process.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf elaborated on discussions about transitioning the role of the SDF amid changing conditions in Syria, stating that the context regarding Kurdish self-defense has drastically shifted.
As of now, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops remain in Syria, collaborating with the YPG-led SDF, which played a crucial role in the defeat of the Islamic State from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, Turkey has conducted multiple cross-border operations against the SDF while pressing Washington to cease its support for Kurdish forces.
Hostilities have intensified recently, notably with the capture of Manbij by Turkish-backed Syrian groups. Erdogan expressed his vision for a new Syria characterized by peaceful coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups, stating that organizations like the PKK and its affiliates pose threats that need to be eradicated.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi mentioned that foreign Kurdish fighters would depart if a truce is negotiated, reaffirming Turkey’s continued commitment to counter-terrorism until the PKK/YPG disarms completely. Meanwhile, a Turkish Defence Ministry official dismissed any notion of a ceasefire, asserting that counter-terrorism efforts would persist until the PKK and foreign elements cease operations in Syria.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s statements on the anticipated withdrawal of foreign support for Kurdish forces in Syria underscore Turkey’s strategic priorities in the region following Assad’s fall. The discussions among diplomatic entities also highlight the complex dynamics between Kurdish security and Turkish concerns, indicating a potential transition for the SDF amidst evolving geopolitical conditions. With an ongoing commitment to counter-terrorism, Turkey remains resolute in its objectives regarding Kurdish militancy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
