Turkey’s approach towards the Kurds in Syria focuses on disarming PKK elements within the SDF, seeking their political integration into the Syrian state, and fostering alliances with rival Kurdish factions. A draft deal from Damascus aligns with Turkey’s proposals, reflecting an intricate mixture of diplomacy and potential military action against the PKK.
Turkey seeks a settlement in Syria with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), particularly after gaining influence following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Ankara has formed alliances with groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and demands the disarmament of PKK-affiliated elements within the SDF. While the PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States, Western support for the PKK-affiliated SDF remains intact, primarily to combat the Islamic State.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocates for eliminating threats from Syria but appears to favor a more tactical approach instead of a full-scale military intervention. Recent proposals from Ankara-based think tanks suggest collaboration between American and Turkish officials to resolve tensions peacefully. This approach would involve limiting U.S. support for the SDF while simultaneously curtailing Turkish military operations, thus fostering regional stability through the SDF’s severance of ties with the PKK.
Ankara’s aspirations include requiring the SDF to expel PKK members and disarm, as reiterated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Reports indicate that PKK leaders might influence SDF leadership, prompting discussions with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, about a potential call for disarmament. Turkish sources believe that Ocalan’s statement could serve as leverage to convince the SDF to compromise.
Erdogan’s administration also aims for the reintegration of Kurdish refugees and rival political parties into the governance of northeastern Syria. Encouragements from Turkey for former Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani to engage with the SDF leader point to Ankara’s desire for political normalization within the Kurdish sphere. Turkish interests revolve around transforming the SDF’s political wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), into a significant national party.
A draft deal proposed by Damascus to the SDF aligns with Turkish expectations, offering recognition of Kurdish cultural rights under a decentralized administrative system. However, it mandates the SDF’s integration into national military structures. Notably, the SDF has reportedly turned down this proposal due to perceived threats from Turkey. Concurrently, Turkey seems poised to augment military solutions against the PKK threat, indicating a complex interplay of diplomacy and potential military action in the region.
Turkey’s vision for the Kurds in Syria encompasses disarmament and political integration of the SDF into Syria’s national framework, while also seeking to eliminate PKK influence. Ankara aims to foster cooperation among Kurdish groups, encourage the return of refugees, and evolve the SDF into a legitimate political entity. Recent diplomatic overtures and potential military posturing reflect the complexities surrounding Turkey’s strategies in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
