The Security Belt Aims to Secure the Turkish-Syrian Border
Recently, statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding Syria have largely
focused on what is known as the “Security Belt” along the Turkish-Syrian border. This border area that Turkey aims to establish seeks to secure its borders from any threats posed by Kurdish militias or other terrorist organizations.
Erdogan’s statements indicate:
Establishment of a Safe Zone: He has expressed his intent to complete the safe area along Turkey’s border with Syria, emphasizing the importance of securing this region to prevent communication between terrorist organizations and Turkey’s borders.
Negotiations with the United States: He mentioned that he would discuss with former U.S. President Donald Trump the necessity of the U.S. forces’ withdrawal from Syria and the creation of a safe corridor in northern Syria.
Expanding Influence: Erdogan’s clarifications reveal Turkey’s aim to gain more influence in
northern Syria, including strategic areas like Manbij and Tel Rifaat, which are consideredstrategic for Turkey.
Rejection of Reconciliation: In some statements, there appears to be a rejection of reconciliation with the Syrian regime without Turkey achieving its objectives of fully securing its borders.
These statements reflect a Turkish policy focused on national security and preventing any
terrorist or militia threats from the Syrian side, as well as indicating Turkey’s direction towards
playing a larger role in the political solution in Syria on its own terms.
