Turkey’s foreign minister stated that the country would rethink its military presence in Syria if Kurdish militants are eliminated. This stance was reiterated during the Munich Security Conference, where Hakan Fidan called for the integration of armed groups into a national army. The situation remains tense with Turkish-backed forces increasingly confronting U.S.-backed Kurdish groups amid ongoing Turkish-Syrian dynamics.
Turkey’s foreign minister has indicated that the nation’s military presence in northeastern Syria could be reassessed contingent on the elimination of Kurdish militant groups, which Turkey classifies as terrorist organizations alongside the U.S. and EU. Hakan Fidan made these remarks during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing that Turkey cannot tolerate any armed militia and advocates for their integration into a singular national army in Syria. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani supported the disarmament of non-state factions and endorsed the inclusion of Kurdish representatives in the new Syrian government.
The Turkish military presence in northeastern Syria has escalated, particularly since factions dislodged former President Bashar Assad. Turkish-backed forces have been increasingly targeting Kurdish forces amid ongoing tensions. Ankara perceives the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish coalition backed by the U.S., as an extension of the PKK, which has garnered military confrontations with Turkish forces. Many insurgent groups have accepted integration into the new Syrian army; however, the SDF remains resistant.
A panelist at the conference underscored, “Kurds are part of the Syrian nation but they can’t have their own army, as this is against our unity.” This statement highlights the broader struggles related to Kurdish autonomy and integration within Syrian state structures, underscoring the complexities of achieving a collaborative governance model in Syria, especially involving the Kurdish population.
Turkey is willing to reconsider its military involvement in Syria if Kurdish militancy is effectively dismantled. This development reflects the ongoing complexities of Turkish-Kurdish relations and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. Enhanced dialogue and cooperation among Syrian factions may be essential for establishing long-term stability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
