Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is navigating a power struggle between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. After visiting Saudi Arabia, he went to Ankara where Turkish President Erdogan offered support for Syria’s reconstruction. The meeting led to no concrete agreements, reflecting ongoing competition for influence between regional powers. Sharaa’s diplomatic approach includes engaging with various factions while maintaining Syria’s interests.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently visited Ankara after Saudi Arabia, indicating a strategic balancing act between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in their competition for influence over Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Sharaa warmly, emphasizing a commitment to long-term cooperation and promised assistance for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, which Sharaa acknowledged as crucial for political and economic stability in his country.
Sharaa’s relationship with Turkey became significant during the Syrian conflict, especially as Turkey sheltered many Syrians and protected the Idlib region where Sharaa was based. Aydin Selcen, a former Turkish diplomat, notes that Turkey will likely be seen positively by Syria’s leadership due to its support for Syrian refugees and its protective role in the region. However, he cautions against Ankara overestimating its influence in dictating Syria’s policy direction, which will primarily revolve around Damascus.
Despite the friendly talks between the Syrian and Turkish leaders, the meeting yielded no concrete agreements, only broad commitments to enhance cooperation in security and development. Sharaa’s first official visit to Saudi Arabia suggests he is emphasizing Arab nationalism and might have varying perspectives on critical regional issues compared to Turkey, as Arab states and Turkey have a long-standing rivalry for Sunni influence.
Sharaa represents a pragmatic approach to Syria’s foreign relations, engaging with multiple factions, including Russia, and negotiating based on Syria’s interests. This could lead to potential friction with Turkey, especially surrounding Turkey’s military presence due to its operations against the PKK. Additionally, Iran is repositioning itself to maintain influence with the new Syrian regime, distancing itself from the Assad administration.
Turkey retains leverage through its expertise in construction, energy, and security, which could aid in Syria’s reconstruction. However, as Syria seeks to broaden its alliances, Turkey may face increased competition for influence within Damascus, highlighting the complexity of regional dynamics post-conflict.
This article discusses the ongoing power struggle in Syria, focusing on the balancing act of interim President Sharaa between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The regional influence of both countries on Syria’s future is critical, especially following the years of conflict in Syria. The dynamics of foreign relations have shifted, with the new leadership in Syria seeking to establish its position, solidifying alliances while cautiously navigating its interests.
Sharaa’s diplomatic engagements signify a strategic maneuver in Syria’s complex geopolitical landscape. By balancing relationships with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, he seeks to assert Syrian independence while gaining necessary support for reconstruction. With regional powers vying for influence, the future of Syrian governance and its alliances remains uncertain, providing a distinctive challenge for both Sharaa and his foreign partners.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
