gr.euronews.com
Turkey's Growing Influence in Post-Civil War Syria
Turkey's influence in Syria has significantly increased following the civil war, with its close ties to the now-ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) granting Turkey considerable leverage over the new Syrian government, despite HTS's contested legitimacy and Turkey's denial of controlling Syria.
- What immediate impact has Turkey's relationship with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had on the geopolitical landscape of Syria?
- Following the Syrian civil war, Turkey's previously discreet ties with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now in power in Damascus, have become overt. Analysts suggest mutual benefits exist; Turkey facilitated HTS's rise, influencing Russia and Iran to avoid halting the rebellion. However, Turkey denies controlling Syria, rejecting claims made by then US President-elect Donald Trump.
- How did Turkey's actions during the Syrian civil war contribute to its current influence over the new Syrian government?
- Turkey's influence stems from its role in HTS's victory and its unique understanding of the Syrian landscape. This influence is leveraged for economic gain through a 900km border and diplomatic maneuvering, such as urging the international community to remove HTS from terrorist lists. Turkey aims to stabilize Syria to secure its own strategic interests.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Turkey's increased influence in Syria, particularly concerning Kurdish populations and regional stability?
- Turkey's growing influence in Syria could reshape regional power dynamics, potentially leading to increased Turkish control over Syrian affairs and impacting Kurdish groups in northern Syria. The outcome depends on the actions of the new Syrian leadership and the level of international involvement, particularly from the United States, regarding Syria's rebuilding and international legitimacy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Turkey's actions in a largely positive light, highlighting its role in facilitating the fall of Assad and its potential to stabilize Syria. The potential downsides of Turkey's increased influence, such as human rights concerns or exacerbating existing conflicts, are downplayed. The headline (if any) would likely reinforce this positive portrayal of Turkey's role.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, but there are instances where the description of Turkey's actions implies approval or success without explicit value judgments. For instance, phrases such as "strategic relationship" and "Turkey's increased influence" could be seen as subtly positive.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Turkey's influence in Syria post-conflict, potentially omitting the perspectives and roles of other international actors like the US or EU, and the perspectives of various Syrian factions beyond Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The long-term consequences of Turkey's actions and the overall stability of Syria are not deeply explored.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of Turkey's relationship with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, framing it as a strategic partnership. Nuances and potential conflicts of interest within this relationship are not fully explored. The article also presents a somewhat simplified view of the international response to the new Syrian leadership.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the complex relationship between Turkey and the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in Syria, raising concerns about the potential for instability and undermining peace efforts. Turkey's support for HTS, a designated terrorist organization by many countries, contradicts international efforts to establish peace and justice in Syria. The involvement of Turkey in Syria's internal affairs, without clear international oversight, poses a significant risk to regional stability and undermines the legitimacy of the Syrian government.