t24.com.tr
Turkey's MIT Head Prays at Damascus Mosque, Signaling Growing Influence in Syria
Turkey's MIT chief, Ibrahim Kalin, prayed at Damascus's Umayyad Mosque, symbolizing Turkey's growing influence in post-civil war Syria, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously labeled a terrorist group, played a significant role in the recent conflict resolution.
- What is the significance of the MIT head's prayer at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, considering Turkey's role in the Syrian conflict and regional power dynamics?
- Turkey's MIT head, Ibrahim Kalin, recently prayed at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria, a highly symbolic act given Turkey's complex history and current involvement in the Syrian conflict. This event, following the end of the Syrian civil war, underscores Turkey's growing influence in the region and its ambition to reshape the political landscape.
- How does Turkey's engagement with HTS, a group previously labeled a terrorist organization, impact its regional strategy and relationships with other international actors?
- Kalin's visit to the Umayyad Mosque comes amidst shifting alliances and power dynamics in Syria. The involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously designated as a terrorist organization by many countries including Turkey, in the recent Syrian war resolution, adds a layer of complexity to Turkey's engagement. Turkey's actions signal a potential realignment of relationships in the region, with implications for future stability.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Turkey's growing influence in Syria, considering the involvement of various actors, including HTS, Israel, and other regional powers, and the future of Kurdish populations in the region?
- The symbolic significance of Kalin's prayer at the Umayyad Mosque points to Turkey's long-term strategic goals in Syria. Turkey's President Erdoğan has long expressed a desire to regain influence in formerly Ottoman-controlled territories. The changing dynamics in Syria, coupled with Turkey's shifting relationships with various actors, including HTS, suggest a possible expansion of Turkish influence in the region, creating both opportunities and risks for regional stability and international relations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Erdogan's actions in Syria as a continuation of historical Turkish influence and a religious duty. The repeated use of terms like 'diriliş' (resurrection) and references to historical figures like Salahuddin Ayyubi strongly suggest a positive portrayal of Turkish involvement. The headline (if there was one) would likely emphasize Erdogan's actions and their historical significance.
Language Bias
The text uses loaded language, particularly when describing the Syrian Kurds as being placed in a 'terror' bracket. Other examples include the use of 'harabeye döndü' (turned into ruins) to describe Syria, and the description of HTŞ as having 'El Kaide-El Nusra connections,' which carries negative connotations. More neutral alternatives could be used to describe these situations.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on the actions and statements of Erdogan and the Turkish government, giving less attention to the perspectives of other actors in the Syrian conflict, such as the Syrian Kurds, other Syrian factions, and the international community. The role of Israel in the recent developments in Syria is mentioned but not analyzed in detail. The perspectives of the Syrian people are largely absent, except as passive recipients of political actions.
False Dichotomy
The text presents a simplified view of the Syrian conflict, often framing it as a struggle between opposing forces (Erdogan vs. Assad, Turkey vs. other regional powers). The complex internal dynamics within Syria and the diverse motivations of the actors involved are not fully explored. For example, the complexities of Kurdish involvement are reduced to a simplistic 'terror' label.
Gender Bias
The analysis primarily focuses on male political figures, with little to no mention of women's roles or perspectives in the Syrian conflict or Turkish politics. There is no discussion of gendered impacts of the conflict or political decisions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details the complex and ongoing Syrian Civil War, highlighting the involvement of various actors, including Turkey. The conflict has caused immense suffering, displacement, and instability, undermining peace and justice. The involvement of Turkey, including the reported meeting between the MIT head and the HTS leader, raises concerns about the potential for further instability and the implications for regional peace and security. The article also mentions the displacement of millions of refugees, directly impacting SDG target 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and violence against children.