In brief
As the Syrian revolution takes a consequential turn following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has emerged as a pivotal player in shaping the country's future dynamics. On the streets of Damascus, celebratory crowds dance as they usher in a new era led by rebel forces that Turkey has long supported. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president, has been integral to this transition, leveraging the connections he fostered with anti-government factions leading to Assad's removal.
Experts suggest that Turkey’s position is poised for growth. Asli Aydintasbas, a Brookings Institution fellow, emphasizes that the shift will allow Turkey to exert both economic and political sway over Syria. While uncertainty looms regarding potential renewed factional conflicts within the country, Turkey’s capacity to influence the trajectory of these developments remains significantly enhanced. In addition, Erdogan's approach might diminish the regional standing of Russia, which has historically supported Assad, leading to questions about the future of Russian military facilities along Syria’s coast.Despite an initial silence from Turkey during the rebels' rapid advancement across northern Syria, Erdogan's subsequent remarks conveyed a sense of confidence about Turkey's expanding role. The situation presents a complex landscape for Syria, where the implications of Turkish influence will unfold amid ongoing challenges and changes.
