Turkey’s Foreign Minister stated that Turkey would rethink its military presence in northeastern Syria if Kurdish militants are eliminated by the new Syrian leadership. The focus remains on integrating armed militias into a national army. Tensions persist between Turkish-backed forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, complicating the situation further.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced at the Munich Security Conference that Turkey would reassess its military presence in northeastern Syria if the new Syrian leadership effectively eliminates the Kurdish militant group considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. Fidan emphasized that armed militias are intolerable and should be incorporated into a singular national army.
The Kurdish militant group, the PKK, has been involved in an insurgency against Turkey for decades, pushing for enhanced autonomy for Kurds. During the conference, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani did not directly address Fidan’s comments but supported disarming non-state factions and including Kurds in the new governmental framework.
Turkey perceives the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish military alliance backed by the U.S., as an affiliate of the PKK, resulting in ongoing military confrontations in northern Syria. As Turkish-backed forces have grown in northeastern Syria, targeting Kurdish forces has become more frequent. Although many insurgent groups have committed to integrating into a new Syrian army, the SDF has remained resistant.
In response to the presence of Kurdish forces, Hind Kabawat from the Center for World Religions highlighted the necessity for Kurdish representation within the Syrian nation but stressed that they cannot maintain an independent military, as it conflicts with the nation’s unity. This discussion reflects the ongoing complexities surrounding Kurdish autonomy and military presence in Syria.
Turkey’s future military presence in Syria heavily relies on the disbanding of Kurdish militant groups. The integration of such forces into a national army is viewed as essential by Turkish officials, while Syrian leaders express a willingness to collaborate. The situation remains tense as the SDF continues to resist integration, which could affect future peace initiatives in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
