Turkish Foreign Minister Refutes Allegations of "Unfriendly Takeover" in Syria

In a distinct clarification presented during an interview with Al Jazeera, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has openly disputed claims made by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump describing Turkiye’s involvement in Syria as an "unfriendly takeover." Trump had earlier lauded Ankara for its strategic maneuvers in Syria, suggesting that it managed regime change with minimal casualties. However, Fidan countered the narrative, framing Turkiye’s actions within the context of supporting the Syrian people’s aspirations rather than enforcing domination.

During the interview, Fidan underlined that the real dynamics in Syria represent local will, dismissing any suggestions that Turkiye seeks hegemonic control over its war-torn neighbor. “To say that Turkiye is ‘taking over’ is a grave error. What we observe is the rightful autonomous decision-making by the Syrians themselves,” Fidan emphasized.

The discussion further delved into the sensitive issue of Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly the YPG, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization due to its affiliations with the PKK. Despite being backed by the U.S. as a formidable adversary against ISIS, Fidan reiterated the Turkish stance that the YPG remains a threat to Turkiye's national security. He expressed frustrations over what he described as a western blindness to the YPG’s deeper terrorist links.

Highlighting the complexity of Syrian politics post-Assad, Fidan referenced the newly installed government in Damascus, urging the importance of this administration in addressing Kurdish relations within its territory. He noted that correct handling of this matter could negate the need for any Turkish military interventions. Fidan also praised the reopening of the Turkish embassy in Damascus, marking it as a symbol of normalized ties and a step towards mutual respect and cooperation.

Moreover, Fidan advocated for a reassessment of extremist groups’ designations, particularly HTS, underlining its shift from al-Qaeda affiliations to a more localized governance model. His statements come in light of the U.S. acknowledging dialogues with HTS amidst discussions on Syria's future governance structures.

Turkish Foreign Minister's dialogue reflects an intricate balance Turkiye seeks to maintain - supporting Syrian autonomy while ensuring its own national security concerns are addressed, maintaining regional stability without asserting overt control, and navigating complex international relations.