Turkey’s Concerns Over Syrian Agreement with Kurdish-Led Group
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has expressed deep concern over a recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led armed group. Speaking in an interview with Turkish TV100, Fidan emphasized that Turkey is closely monitoring the situation, wary of potential future threats to its national security. He highlighted that Turkey has already conveyed its concerns to Syrian officials during an unexpected visit to Syria. Fidan cautioned that while the agreement might be made with good intentions, it could harbor hidden problems or “mines planted for the future.” He reiterated Turkey’s vigilance, stating, “We as Turkey are monitoring these very closely.”
The agreement in question aims to integrate the SDF into the Syrian government, following intense clashes between government security forces and gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar Assad. The SDF, a U.S.-backed Kurdish military alliance, has a significant presence in northeastern Syria, controlling much of the territory in that region. However, Turkey views the SDF and its primary component, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as terrorist organizations due to their ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This designation underscores Turkey’s long-standing opposition to the group, which it sees as a direct threat to its national security.
Turkey’s Stance on Autonomy and the Integration of the SDF
Fidan clarified that Turkey does not interpret the agreement as granting autonomy to the SDF. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “No one should feel like a minority but should feel like they are a special part of a greater prosperity by benefiting from equal opportunities.” This statement reflects Turkey’s desire for a unified Syria where all ethnic and religious groups—Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, Christians, and Alawites—can coexist peacefully. However, Fidan’s remarks also carry a veiled warning, signaling that any attempt to grant autonomy to the SDF or YPG would be met with skepticism and opposition from Ankara.
Fidan addressed the possibility of the YPG and SDF being integrated into the Syrian army without laying down their arms, revealing that the issue had been discussed with Syria’s new leaders, including interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa. He noted that Turkey’s top intelligence officials were also involved in these discussions, ensuring that Ankara’s concerns were heard. Fidan expressed some assurance, stating that al-Sharaa had agreed that the articles in the deal would require the YPG to be fully integrated into the Syrian army. He quoted al-Sharaa as saying that the current terms of the agreement align with Turkish interests, emphasizing that the deal would “completely include the YPG in the army.”
Turkey’s Vigilance and Calls for Stability
Despite these assurances, Fidan maintained a cautious tone, stressing that Turkey would remain vigilant in assessing any progress on the issue. He reiterated Turkey’s long-standing position, stating, “The new Syrian administration must take the initiative to end the YPG occupation and piracy.” This statement highlights Turkey’s deep-seated distrust of the YPG and its belief that the group’s continued presence in the region poses a threat not only to Turkey but also to Syria’s stability. Fidan also emphasized the need for normalcy to return to Syria, ensuring that all communities, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, Christians, and Alawites, can live in peace and prosperity.
Fidan’s remarks underscore Turkey’s broader goals in the region: to prevent the rise of any autonomous Kurdish entities along its borders and to ensure that Syria emerges from its civil war as a unified state. While Turkey supports the idea of equal opportunities for all Syrians, it remains steadfast in its opposition to any form of Kurdish autonomy, which it views as a potential catalyst for separatist movements within its own borders. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, Turkey’s close monitoring of developments and its insistence on a unified Syrian state will likely remain central to its foreign policy in the region.
The Broader Regional Implications
The agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF has significant implications for the region, particularly for Turkey, which has long been a key player in Syria’s conflict. Turkey’s concerns over the deal are deeply rooted in its own security interests, as it fears that any strengthening of the YPG or SDF could embolden Kurdish separatist movements within Turkey. The integration of these groups into the Syrian army, if successful, could potentially alter the balance of power in the region, with Ankara closely watching for any signs of threaten its national security.
At the same time, the agreement represents a shift in Syria’s approach to its Kurdish population, potentially paving the way for greater inclusivity and stability in the war-torn country. However, this shift also risks alienating key regional actors like Turkey, which has invested heavily in shaping the trajectory of Syria’s conflict. As the situation unfolds, the interplay between Syria’s internal dynamics and Turkey’s external influence will likely determine whether the agreement succeeds in bringing lasting stability to the region or whether it becomes another flashpoint in the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the Middle East.
In conclusion, Turkey’s response to the agreement reflects its enduring concerns over Kurdish autonomy and its commitment to a unified Syria that aligns with its own security interests. While the deal offers a glimmer of hope for stability in Syria, it also highlights the delicate balance of power in the region, where the interests of neighboring states like Turkey will continue to shape the course of events. As the international community watches closely, the coming months will reveal whether this agreement marks a step toward peace or a new chapter of tension in the region.
