Strategic Ambitions of Turkey for Syria: An Interpretive Study of Regional Power Relationships
Turkey's engagement in northern Syria marks a difficult and divisive junction of geopolitical strategy, ethnic conflict, and territorial ambition. The military and political activities of Turkey in Syria are investigated in this paper together with their consequences for the geopolitics scene generally and regional stability.
Turkey's engagement in northern Syria marks a difficult and divisive junction of geopolitical strategy, ethnic conflict, and territorial ambition. The military and political activities of Turkey in Syria are investigated in this paper together with their consequences for the geopolitics scene generally and regional stability.
Turkey's claims of territory in northern Syria have strategic as well as historical basis. Ankara sees part of its cultural and geographical legacy cities like Aleppo, a historically industrial and agricultural center. Turkey aims to maximize the economic possibilities of these areas in addition to increase its geopolitical influence by claiming authority over them.
Ankara's efforts go beyond claims to territory. Turkey's military operations in Syria also help to undermine the Kurdish-owned northeast, which it believes directly to be a threat to national security. Supported by the United States, the Kurdish area has long been a cause of conflict for Turkey especially considering its worries about the possible unity of Kurdish areas over Syria, Iraq, and Turkey.
The "Turkic World" Vision
One might also see Turkey's aspirations in Syria through the prism of its larger objective of creating a "Turkic world." Covering western China through the Caspian Sea, this vision seeks to unite Turkic-speaking countries with common security, cultural, and economic interests. With NATO, Turkey, and Israel bolstering their bases in the area, recent events—including Azerbaijan's triumph in the Second Karabakh War—have reinforced this picture.
Along with encouraging partnerships with Turkmen populations in Iraq and Syria, this broad plan entails helping armed opposition groups like Tahrir al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army. Turkey aims to increase its influence by supporting separatists and taking advantage of ethnic differences, therefore negating competing forces as Iran and Russia.
Deversing Iran's Strategic Objectives
Turkey's efforts in Syria also seek to throw off Iran's regional aspirations. Crucially for Tehran's military and economic policies, Tehran has aimed to create a transit route connecting its southern ports to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. But Turkey's military posture and backing of opposition organizations have seriously hampered this goal. Targeting transportation hubs linking Iran to its allies, Turkey undermines Tehran's influence in the area and so weakens the so-called "axis of resistance."
The US Factor and Changing Allies
Turkey's connection with the United States influences also its actions in Syria. Ankara seems to be claiming its importance as a major participant in regional security by using Washington's change of leadership. Turkey wants to establish itself as a vital friend for the United States by proving its military might and strategic relevance, especially in terms of negating Arab and Iranian influence.
Furthermore underlining Turkey's pragmatic approach to diplomacy is its possible normalizing of relations with Israel following a possible truce in Gaza. This action might help to isolate Iran even further and enhance its links with Western friends.
In essence, a double-edged sword for regional stability.
Turkey's acts in Syria highlight its will to establish itself as a major regional power. These actions, though, carry great hazards. Ankara fuels ethnic tensions and supports armed organizations, therefore aggravating existing unstable conditions in an area. Its territorial claims and geopolitical moves further sour ties with major powers like Iran and Russia as well as neighbors.
Turkey's actions confront the international community in that they balance the necessity to interact with Ankara as a NATO ally with the destabilizing results of its policies. Turkey's future is yet unknown as it keeps striving for its goals; this could have effects on world security and financial stability.
Turkey's multifarious involvement in northern Syria reminds us of the complicated network of relationships and conflicts forming the current Middle East. Although Ankara's goals might bring temporary benefits, their long-term effects on regional harmony and international relations demand careful examination.
