Turkey, through Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, has expressed deep concern over Israel’s military activities in southern Syria, viewing them as provocations that threaten regional stability. Fidan criticized Israel’s perception of Arab and Muslim nations, while also tackling the concerns regarding the PKK/YPG’s presence in Syria. He suggested the need for regional cooperation to address terrorism and highlighted the shifting dynamics of European security in relation to U.S. policies.
Turkey has expressed significant concern regarding Israel’s military actions in southern Syria, as articulated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a recent interview with the Financial Times. He characterized Israel’s ongoing assaults and troop deployments as a clear provocation, especially noting that, “Israel sees every Arab and Muslim country as a threat, and it is extremely dangerous. The strategy of keeping all its border states weak is untenable.”
Minister Fidan’s statements reflect Turkey’s longstanding criticism of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians. Following the instability in Syria brought on by the fall of the Baathist regime, fears regarding Israel’s intentions have intensified. The Syrian interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, described Israeli airstrikes as manifestations of “expansionist intentions,” arguing that they exploit the current regime’s collapse while citing security concerns as a pretext.
Since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has executed numerous airstrikes, primarily targeting forces affiliated with the Syrian government and Iranian-linked entities. Recent strikes coincided with calls from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for demilitarization of the region, further elevating tensions. Turkey remains vigilant, having urged the PKK/YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist group, to disband, threatening potential military action should they refuse.
Fidan alluded to Erdoğan’s strategy of allowing the new Syrian administration the opportunity to tackle the PKK/YPG issue. He posited that Turkey could take control of camps and prisons in northeastern Syria currently governed by PKK/YPG, which hold former Daesh members and their families. He underscored the implications of regional collaborations, stating, “It’s a question of intelligence and air power,” to combat terrorism effectively, especially if U.S. support diminishes.
Fidan further commented on the geopolitical landscape, particularly regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent foreign policy moves, urging European nations to consider establishing their own defense frameworks. Emphasizing Turkey’s NATO membership, he commented, “The genie is out of the bottle and there is no way to put it back,” indicating that potential reductions in U.S. security commitments could impact European stability in the future.
In summary, Turkey’s concerns over Israel’s military actions in Syria underline the broader implications for regional stability and security. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has articulated the dangers posed by Israel’s perception of neighboring nations as threats, while also addressing the internal challenges Turkey faces with the PKK/YPG. The call for a collaborative regional approach to counteract terrorism, alongside the commentary on the need for a redefined European security architecture in light of U.S. foreign policy shifts, highlights the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
