Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
On February 4, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria’s newly-appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed security ties during a meeting in Ankara.
The visit marked al-Sharaa’s second international trip since officially becoming Syria’s interim leader, having earlier met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
At a joint news conference in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkiye was ready to partner with Syria, particularly when it came to fighting the armed group ISIL (ISIS) and Kurdish militias based in northeast Syria.
“I would like to express our satisfaction for the strong commitment my brother Ahmed al-Sharaa has shown in the fight against terrorism,” Erdogan said.
“I told al-Sharaa we are ready to provide the necessary support to Syria in the fight against all kinds of terrorism, whether it be ISIL or the PKK,” he added.
Turkiye views the Syrian Kurdish militias located near its southern border as “terrorists”. These include the PKK as well as the People’s Protection Units (YPG).
The YPG makes up a large portion of the United States-supported Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls a large swath of Syria’s northeast, and have a self-proclaimed Kurdish autonomous administration, not recognized by Damascus.
The SDF remains the key ally in a US-led coalition fighting ISIL in Syria. The US-Turkish relationship has been strained for a decade because of the US-SDF partnership.
“We are working on building a strategic partnership with Turkiye to confront the security threats in the region to guarantee permanent security and stability to Syria and Turkiye,” al-Sharaa said.
Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed the Turkish writer and political researcher, Ali Asmar to understand the renewing of the Syria-Turkey relationship.
1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday. In your opinion, what was the significance of this meeting?
Ali Asmar (AA): The meeting between Syrian Interim President Ahmed Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan marks a turning point in regional politics, symbolizing the beginning of a new era in Syria-Turkey relations. With the fall of the Assad regime and the formation of a new government, Syria seeks regional stability and security partnerships. Turkey, having played a crucial role in the Syrian conflict, is now engaging with the new leadership to ensure border security and cooperation against shared threats. This meeting also lays the groundwork for potential economic and diplomatic normalization between the two countries. It could reshape Syria’s geopolitical position, attracting international recognition and investment for reconstruction.
2. SS: Turkey is hosting more than 3 million Syrian refugees. In your opinion, how will Turkey address this crisis?
AA: Turkey faces a significant challenge in managing the presence of over 3 million Syrian refugees, particularly as domestic pressure grows for their return. The new Syrian government provides an opportunity for Ankara to negotiate a structured and voluntary repatriation plan. Safe zones, economic incentives, and infrastructure development in Syria will be key factors in facilitating this process. Turkey may also seek international support for rebuilding efforts to ensure stable conditions for returnees. The speed and success of this initiative will depend on security conditions and the level of cooperation between Ankara and Damascus.
3. SS: There are reports that President Trump might order a US troop withdrawal from Syria. This would leave the SDF unprotected. In your opinion, would this mean the end of the Kurdish militia in Syria?
AA: A U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria would drastically alter the power dynamics, leaving the SDF vulnerable to military and political pressure. Without American support, the Kurdish militia will struggle to maintain territorial control, facing potential military action from Turkey and reintegration efforts by the new Syrian government. To survive, the SDF may seek negotiations with Damascus for political concessions, though its influence will be significantly reduced. Internal divisions and the loss of Western backing could lead to fragmentation within its ranks. Ultimately, its survival will depend on whether it can adapt to the new realities of post-war Syria.
4. SS: Reports suggest that Syria and Turkey have discussed the possibility of Turkish military bases in central Syria. In your opinion, do you think this will happen?
AA: The possibility of Turkish military bases in central Syria hinges on ongoing negotiations and Syria’s strategic needs in the post-war period. If Turkey and the new Syrian government establish a strong security partnership, limited Turkish military presence could be part of an agreement to combat terrorism and stabilize key regions. However, full-scale Turkish bases may face resistance from both Syrian nationalists and regional actors like Russia and Iran. An alternative could be a joint security arrangement where Turkish forces operate under Syrian jurisdiction. The outcome will depend on the balance between Turkish security interests and Syria’s sovereignty concerns.
5. SS: Before 2011, Syria was the largest export market for Turkey. In your opinion, will economic ties be restored?
AA: Syria and Turkey had strong economic ties before the war, and with the fall of the Assad regime, there is potential for restoring trade and investment. The new Syrian government is likely to prioritize economic recovery, making Turkey a natural partner due to its geographical proximity and industrial capacity. Trade corridors, infrastructure projects, and energy cooperation could drive renewed economic engagement. However, lifting international sanctions and ensuring political stability will be critical for full economic integration. If diplomatic relations continue to improve, Syria could once again become a key market for Turkish exports.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist
