Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara, following his trip to Saudi Arabia, illustrates his balancing act between Turkey and Saudi Arabia amid competition for Syrian influence. Turkish President Erdogan extended a warm welcome, stressing cooperation prospects, yet no specific agreements were reached. As Sharaa navigates complex regional dynamics, he signals a preference for Arab ties while acknowledging Turkey’s support. This maneuvering will prove vital as Syria seeks to reconstruct amid significant foreign interests.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa traveled to Ankara following a visit to Saudi Arabia, signaling his attempt to balance relationships between these two regional powers amid the ongoing struggle for influence in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warmly welcomed Sharaa, emphasizing their meeting’s importance and expressing a desire for lasting friendship and cooperation between their nations. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s initiatives to assist in Syria’s reconstruction, to which Sharaa expressed appreciation for Turkey’s support in fostering Syrian political and economic stability.
Sharaa’s historical relationship with Turkey has been strengthened during the conflict against the Assad regime. Turkey has provided military protection for the Idlib region, where Sharaa operated, and has hosted over 5 million Syrian refugees. However, former Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen warns against overstating Turkey’s ability to dictate Syrian policy, emphasizing that true political control remains centered in Damascus.
Despite the friendly atmosphere of the meeting and promises of collaboration, no specific agreements were reached. Sharaa’s choice to visit Saudi Arabia first indicates a strategic message toward Ankara, suggesting a preference for Arab influences rather than exclusively Turkish ties, according to Huseyin Bagci, a professor of international relations at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University.
The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Turkey continues, with Turkey facing economic challenges that limit its influence compared to its affluent Gulf counterparts. Sharaa appears inclined to engage broadly in international diplomacy, attempting to negotiate interests with a variety of entities, including Russia, and may diverge from Turkey’s agenda in the future.
Experts predict that ongoing Turkish military operations against Kurdish insurgents could create friction with Syria’s new leadership. Iran, alongside Russia, is also repositioning to enhance relations with the incoming Syrian administration, showing a willingness to adapt its approach based on evolving dynamics. Despite these challenges, Turkey retains valuable leverage in terms of its construction, energy, and safety expertise, crucial for Syria’s post-conflict recovery, though it will face stiff competition for influence.
The article reports on the ongoing geopolitical maneuvering surrounding Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he navigates relationships with both Turkey and Saudi Arabia amidst competition for regional influence. The geopolitical context involves historical ties, current economic struggles, and the challenges posed by foreign intervention in Syria’s reconstruction and political future. Understanding these dynamics is critical to grasping the implications of Sharaa’s leadership and the fate of the Syrian state in the shifting landscape of Middle Eastern politics.
In conclusion, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s diplomatic efforts signify a delicate balancing act as he seeks to align Syria’s interests with both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The historical cooperation with Turkey and the recent overtures to Saudi Arabia highlight the complexities of regional politics in the context of Syria’s ongoing reconstruction. As Sharaa continues to engage various international actors, the outcome of these relationships will critically shape Syria’s future and its stance in the broader geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
