Tue Jan 07 08:37:21 UTC 2025: ## Turkey Faces Complex Challenges and Opportunities as Syria Enters New Era

**Ankara, Turkey** – With the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Turkey faces a pivotal moment, navigating a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges as its neighbor embarks on a new chapter. Turkey’s long involvement in the Syrian conflict, marked by military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts since 2011, now necessitates a strategic recalibration.

Turkey has publicly supported Syria’s new leadership, with high-level officials visiting Damascus. President Erdoğan has stressed the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity for Turkey’s security, given their shared 910km border. Ankara emphasizes a Syrian-led political transition focused on national reconciliation, economic development, and the repatriation of refugees. This last point is crucial, as the large Syrian refugee population in Turkey fuels domestic political pressure and anti-refugee sentiment.

Turkey’s considerable economic capacity, particularly in construction, positions it to play a key role in Syria’s reconstruction. However, significant international funding will be required. Turkey plans to leverage its strong ties with Gulf states like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to secure financial support and regional cooperation. This strengthened relationship with the Arab world also aims to improve Turkey’s image and overall relations with its Arab neighbors.

A major security concern for Turkey remains the presence of the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia linked to the PKK, a group designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. Turkey views the YPG as a significant threat and has called for its disarmament and integration into the new Syrian government. However, the YPG’s proposed integration includes demands for autonomy in northeastern Syria and a demilitarized zone, a proposal that is unlikely to satisfy Ankara. Further, the US’s continued support for the YPG complicates the situation, potentially straining Turkish-American relations, especially under a new US administration. Turkey may launch another military operation into Syria to target the YPG if disarmament efforts fail.

Another significant concern is Israel’s increasing activity in Syrian territory, which Ankara sees as a threat to both Syrian sovereignty and Turkey’s own national security. President Erdoğan has warned of potential consequences if Israel’s actions are not checked.

Turkey’s Syria policy will be a balancing act, navigating domestic political pressures, regional power dynamics, international relations, and the critical security issues posed by the YPG and Israel. The coming months will be crucial in determining the success of Ankara’s strategy and the stability of its relationship with its newly re-imagined neighbor.

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