Turkey’s Strategic Exploitation of the Syrian War: A Comprehensive Analysis

QUESTION

How is Turkey taking advantage of the war in Syria for its own purposes? See:

Syria’s war without end. (cover story)

Author: Maher, Shiraz

Published: 10/18/2019

Summary: The article offers information on the attack on Syrian Kurds by Turkey after the removal of U.S. troops from the region with the end of Syria War.

ANSWER

Turkey’s Strategic Exploitation of the Syrian War: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The Syrian war has been characterized by complex dynamics involving various regional and international actors. Among these actors, Turkey has strategically capitalized on the conflict to further its own interests. This research aims to explore Turkey’s utilization of the war in Syria for its own purposes, focusing on the attack on Syrian Kurds following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region. By examining the events and motivations surrounding Turkey’s actions, we can gain insight into its strategic objectives and the implications for regional dynamics.

Turkey’s Attack on Syrian Kurds

In October 2019, Turkey launched a military offensive against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, shortly after the United States announced the withdrawal of its troops from the region. This attack targeted the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had played a crucial role in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) and had established autonomous zones along the Turkish-Syrian border.

Turkey’s primary objective in targeting the Syrian Kurds was to undermine the Kurdish self-governance project and prevent the establishment of a contiguous Kurdish-controlled region along its southern border. Turkey has long viewed Kurdish groups, including the People’s Protection Units (YPG) within the SDF, as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization.

Strategic Interests of Turkey

Several factors contribute to understanding Turkey’s motives for taking advantage of the Syrian war:

1. Security Concerns: Turkey perceives Kurdish groups in Syria as a security threat, fearing that their aspirations for autonomy could fuel separatist sentiments among the Kurdish population within Turkey. By targeting the Syrian Kurds, Turkey seeks to diminish their influence and prevent the consolidation of Kurdish power near its border.

2. Geopolitical Ambitions: Turkey aims to shape the political and territorial dynamics in Syria to its advantage. By intervening militarily and establishing a “safe zone” along the border, Turkey seeks to exert influence over developments in northern Syria, including resettlement and demographic changes that align with its interests.

3. Refugee Management: Turkey has been hosting millions of Syrian refugees since the onset of the war. By intervening in Syria, Turkey aims to create “safe zones” to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees and alleviate the burden of hosting them, while also exerting control over the resettlement process.

4. National Unity and Domestic Politics: The Turkish government’s strong stance against Kurdish autonomy resonates with nationalist sentiments within the country. By targeting the Syrian Kurds, Turkey aims to reinforce national unity and maintain domestic political support.

Implications and Regional Dynamics

Turkey’s actions have had significant implications for regional dynamics and the prospects for stability in Syria:

1. Fragmentation of Kurdish Autonomy: The attack on the Syrian Kurds has weakened their position and impeded their aspirations for self-governance. This fragmentation hampers efforts for a unified and inclusive political solution in Syria.

2. Strained Relations with Regional Actors: Turkey’s actions have strained its relations with various regional actors, including the United States and European Union members who had supported and collaborated with the Kurdish-led forces in the fight against IS. This has led to diplomatic tensions and geopolitical shifts in the region.

3. Humanitarian Concerns: The military offensive has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. The targeting of Kurdish-controlled areas has raised concerns about human rights violations and the welfare of vulnerable populations affected by the conflict.

Conclusion

Turkey’s utilization of the Syrian war for its own purposes, exemplified by the attack on Syrian Kurds, demonstrates its strategic calculations and pursuit of national interests. Understanding the motivations behind Turkey’s actions is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the Syrian conflict and its broader implications. It is imperative for regional and international stakeholders to engage in dialogue and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges posed by Turkey’s actions and work towards a sustainable and inclusive resolution to the Syrian war.