Syria-Turkey Rapprochement: Why Al-Assad Says Efforts Are Unsuccessful
In a recent speech to the Syrian parliament, President Bashar al-Assad openly addressed the ongoing efforts to mend ties between Syria and Turkey. Despite the involvement of significant mediators like Russia, Iran, and Iraq, al-Assad stated that these initiatives had so far failed to yield any tangible results. He emphasized that while the mediators were serious and genuinely keen on facilitating reconciliation, the efforts did not produce outcomes worth mentioning.
The strained relations between Syria and Turkey trace back to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Turkey, a staunch supporter of the Syrian opposition, severed ties with Syria as it backed rebels seeking to overthrow al-Assad. Over the years, al-Assad and his regime have faced accusations from international bodies and human rights organizations of committing war crimes, leading millions of Syrian civilians to flee areas under government control.
Al-Assad highlighted the need for openness and a willingness to address the root causes of the strained relationship between Syria and Turkey. "Restoring a relationship requires first removing the causes that led to its destruction," he remarked. However, he clarified that while he desires the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syrian territory, this was not a precondition for talks.
Contrary to recent statements by some Turkish officials, al-Assad refuted claims that Syria would not engage in discussions without a Turkish withdrawal. He described such assertions as "far from reality," stressing that the withdrawal of troops was not a condition for dialogue.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a fervent supporter of the anti-Assad Syrian opposition, indicated in July that he was open to inviting al-Assad for talks to restore relations between the two countries. Al-Assad responded positively to the idea of a meeting but emphasized that the content of the discussions would be crucial, with Turkey's presence in Syria being a key sticking point.
Russia has been actively trying to facilitate a meeting between the two leaders, while Iraq has also expressed interest in bringing them together. However, despite these diplomatic efforts, tangible progress remains elusive.
Since the start of the civil war, Turkey has played a vital role as a supporter of the Syrian opposition, providing both a base for political and military figures and engaging militarily in areas along its border with northern Syria. Turkey's primary security concern in the region is the presence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates, whom it considers a significant threat.
The strained relations between Syria and Turkey trace back to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Turkey, a staunch supporter of the Syrian opposition, severed ties with Syria as it backed rebels seeking to overthrow al-Assad. Over the years, al-Assad and his regime have faced accusations from international bodies and human rights organizations of committing war crimes, leading millions of Syrian civilians to flee areas under government control.
Al-Assad highlighted the need for openness and a willingness to address the root causes of the strained relationship between Syria and Turkey. "Restoring a relationship requires first removing the causes that led to its destruction," he remarked. However, he clarified that while he desires the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syrian territory, this was not a precondition for talks.
Contrary to recent statements by some Turkish officials, al-Assad refuted claims that Syria would not engage in discussions without a Turkish withdrawal. He described such assertions as "far from reality," stressing that the withdrawal of troops was not a condition for dialogue.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a fervent supporter of the anti-Assad Syrian opposition, indicated in July that he was open to inviting al-Assad for talks to restore relations between the two countries. Al-Assad responded positively to the idea of a meeting but emphasized that the content of the discussions would be crucial, with Turkey's presence in Syria being a key sticking point.
Russia has been actively trying to facilitate a meeting between the two leaders, while Iraq has also expressed interest in bringing them together. However, despite these diplomatic efforts, tangible progress remains elusive.
Since the start of the civil war, Turkey has played a vital role as a supporter of the Syrian opposition, providing both a base for political and military figures and engaging militarily in areas along its border with northern Syria. Turkey's primary security concern in the region is the presence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates, whom it considers a significant threat.
In light of these complex dynamics, Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, reiterated that Turkey's policy of normalization does not mean abandoning the Syrian opposition. He emphasized the importance of the sacrifices made by opposition fighters who fought alongside Turkish troops to protect Turkey's security.
However, within Turkey, the issue of Syrian refugees remains a contentious topic. With 3.6 million registered Syrian refugees residing in Turkey, the country hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees globally. While Erdogan continues to support providing refuge to Syrians, the future of these refugees remains a hotly debated topic in Turkish politics, with some political opponents advocating for their return to Syria.
Despite the concerted efforts of mediators and the willingness of both leaders to engage in dialogue, the road to rapprochement between Syria and Turkey remains fraught with challenges. The complex historical and political context, combined with the deeply entrenched positions on both sides, suggests that achieving meaningful progress will require addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding common ground on key issues.
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