The impact of strategic shifts in Turkish policy on the Syrian crisis

Abstract

The Political transformations in the Arab region have a significant impact on the regional balance of power, so Turkish rivalry has a negative impact on the Middle East, weakening the loyalty of some political movements to their countries of origin and making them more ideologically aligned with countries with which they share similar visions. In addition to the political causes of some crises in the Middle East, such as the Syrian crisis, are the basis of Turkish interests in the region, so that they work to highlight their power in influence.

Turkey’s strategic policy shifts in recent years have significantly influenced the trajectory of the Syrian crisis. Initially, Ankara adopted a firm stance against the Assad regime, supporting opposition forces both politically and militarily in line with its regional vision for regime change in Syria. However, the complexity of the conflict, the rise of terrorist organizations, and the growing Kurdish influence near Turkey’s southern border led to a strategic reassessment.

Turkey gradually adopted a more pragmatic approach, engaging in cooperation with Russia and Iran through the Astana process, and launching military interventions in northern Syria to protect its national security and prevent the establishment of an independent Kurdish entity. Additionally, Ankara’s rapprochement with certain regional and international actors contributed to de-escalation in some areas and consolidation of Turkish influence within specific Syrian territories.