President Erdogan claims Turkey’s dominance in post-Assad Syria, envisioning grand reconstruction efforts and control in the north. However, these ambitions may bear significant risks and are likely overstated.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey appears to be laboring under significant misconceptions regarding his nation’s influence in Syria following the anticipated downfall of Bashar Assad. He asserts that Turkey possesses unparalleled authority in the region, envisioning substantial reconstruction contracts and a quasi-colonial strategy over northern Syria, alongside efforts to either suppress or co-opt the Kurdish factions. However, this overreaching ambition poses considerable risks for Ankara, as actual control and influence may be fleeting or illusory.
The situation in Syria has been profoundly impacted by the civil war, which has led to various political dynamics. Now, with Assad’s regime under pressure and the conflict evolving, Erdogan perceives an opportunity for Turkey to assert its dominance. This ambition is rooted in Turkey’s historical involvement in the region, yet it must be contextualized within the complex web of alliances and hostilities present in post-war Syria, particularly concerning Kurdish autonomy and the aspirations of other regional powers.
In conclusion, while President Erdogan forecasts a strong and autonomous Turkish influence in post-Assad Syria, the realities on the ground suggest that such aspirations may be exaggerated. The risks tied to Turkey’s ambitious policies in the region could lead to unintended consequences, undermining both Turkish interests and regional stability.
Original Source: www.haaretz.com
