Turkey is alarmed by Israel’s military operations in southern Syria, as stated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who labeled the actions as provocations. He expressed concerns over Israel’s perception of Arabs and Muslims, criticized its expansionist strategy, and highlighted the threat from the PKK and YPG. Fidan also addressed the impact of changing U.S. foreign policy on European security and emphasized Turkey’s readiness to confront regional challenges.
Turkey has expressed deep concern over Israel’s military actions in southern Syria, as articulated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a recent interview. He described Israel’s ongoing operations, particularly troop movements and airstrikes, as provocations, warning that the perception of Arabs and Muslims as threats by Israel poses significant dangers.
Fidan criticized Israel’s long-standing policy of weakening its neighboring countries, asserting that this strategy is no longer tenable. He has also highlighted that Israeli assaults on Syria indicate expansionist intentions rather than genuine security concerns, as evidenced by comments from Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during an urgent Arab summit.
Since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has executed numerous airstrikes targeting both government forces and Iranian-affiliated entities, particularly after the downfall of Bashar Assad. Recently, Israel intensified its military actions in the region, performing airstrikes on sites believed to host weapons, undermining the 1974 disengagement agreement by taking control of areas in the Golan Heights.
Additionally, Fidan emphasized the threat posed by the PKK terrorist group, especially its Syrian affiliate, the YPG, which he classified as Turkey’s sworn enemy. He indicated Turkey’s willingness to assist the new Syrian government with the PKK/YPG crisis and hinted at the possibility of Turkey intervening in northern Syria to manage terrorist operations if necessary.
Reflecting on geopolitical dynamics, Fidan responded to recent actions by former U.S. President Trump, suggesting that they act as a wake-up call for Turkey to cement its own strategic positioning. He reiterated Turkey’s longstanding commitment to NATO, emphasizing the need for a robust European security structure, amidst uncertainties about future U.S. involvement in Europe.
Fidan concluded by noting that the shifts in European security are irreversible, raising concerns about potential future reductions in U.S. support for Europe. He remarked, “The genie is out of the bottle and there is no way to put it back.”
In summary, Turkey’s Foreign Minister has articulated significant concerns regarding Israel’s military incursions in Syria, characterizing them as provocations rooted in expansionist intentions. He also pointed to the serious threat posed by the PKK and its affiliates, while emphasizing Turkey’s readiness to address these issues in collaboration with Syria’s new leadership. Furthermore, Fidan’s comments on U.S. foreign policy reflect Turkey’s urgency to reassess its security strategy in a changing geopolitical landscape. Overall, Turkey aims to maintain regional stability while navigating complex international dynamics, particularly in relation to its NATO membership and European security considerations.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
