The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only caused immense suffering for Palestinians, but it has also sparked significant changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. With the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, experts are now turning their attention to the potential impact on regional relationships, particularly between Türkiye and Syria.
For years, Turkey and Syria have had a tumultuous relationship, marked by periods of tension and cooperation. However, the ongoing war in Gaza, as well as the increasing threat of terrorism, may have finally pushed the two countries towards a new era of normalization.
The conflict in Gaza has undoubtedly brought Türkiye and Syria closer together. As a country with a strong Muslim identity, Türkiye has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and has condemned Israel’s actions in the region. This stance has been welcomed by many Arab nations, including Syria, who have also been vocal in their support for Palestine.
In the past, the Syrian government has accused Türkiye of supporting rebel groups in Syria and even hosting training camps for these groups on its territory. However, in recent months, there has been a notable shift in Syria’s rhetoric towards Türkiye. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has praised Türkiye for its stance on the Gaza conflict and has even offered condolences to the Turkish people for the loss of life in recent protests against Israel.
This change in tone from Syria is significant, as it could indicate a willingness to mend relations with Türkiye. The two countries share a long history and have strong cultural and economic ties. Restoring diplomatic relations would not only benefit Türkiye and Syria but could also have wider implications for stability in the region.
The war in Gaza has also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between Türkiye and Syria in addressing the threat of terrorism. Both countries have been targeted by terrorist organizations, and the conflict in Syria has provided a breeding ground for extremist groups. As a result, there has been increased cooperation between the two countries in sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to combat terrorism.
Türkiye and Syria have also been working together to address the issue of foreign fighters who have joined extremist groups in Syria and are now posing a security threat to both countries. This cooperation has been praised by international experts, who believe that a united front between Türkiye and Syria is crucial in addressing this issue.
The changing dynamics in the region have also led to a closer alignment between Türkiye and Russia. Russia has been a strong ally of Syria throughout the conflict and has also played a significant role in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. This alignment has put Türkiye and Syria on the same side, and both countries have expressed a desire to work together with Russia to bring stability to the region.
Experts also believe that the potential normalization of relations between Türkiye and Syria could have a positive impact on the Cyprus issue. Turkey and Syria both support the Turkish Cypriot community and have called for a resolution to the conflict. This shared stance could lead to increased cooperation between the two countries in addressing this long-standing issue.
However, while the potential for normalization between Türkiye and Syria is promising, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome. The conflict in Syria is far from over, and there are still concerns about the presence of armed groups in the region. Additionally, there are issues of trust and past grievances that need to be addressed before full diplomatic relations can be restored.
In conclusion, the ongoing war in Gaza, the threat of terrorism, and changing geopolitical dynamics have brought Türkiye and Syria closer together. Both countries recognize the need for cooperation and have taken steps towards normalizing relations. This shift in attitudes could have significant implications for stability and cooperation in the region. With continued efforts and a willingness to overcome past differences, Türkiye and Syria could enter a new era of cooperation and partnership.
