Ankara, Türkiye - Türkiye's role as a NATO ally has been marked by both collaboration and contention, particularly evident in its recent actions in Syria. Ankara's strategic maneuvers in the region underscore its complex relationship with Western allies and its pursuit of national security interests.
Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Türkiye has transitioned from diplomatic condemnation of the Assad regime to active military involvement. This shift includes supporting opposition groups and launching direct military interventions, such as Operations Euphrates Shield (2016–2017), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Türkiye has intensified its focus on countering Kurdish militant groups in northern Syria, particularly the YPG, which it associates with the PKK—a designated terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. Ankara has expressed readiness to support Syria's new administration in managing Islamic State (IS) camps and prisons, emphasizing the necessity for the YPG to disband and remove foreign fighters.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Syria should be given the opportunity to address the presence of Kurdish militants before Türkiye considers further military action. He also indicated that Turkey is open to reevaluating its military presence in Syria, contingent upon the stabilization of the region.
Türkiye's military operations have elicited mixed reactions from Western allies. While acknowledging Türkiye's security concerns, the U.S. and European nations have been apprehensive about actions that could undermine the fight against IS or destabilize the region further. The U.S., in particular, has supported the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include YPG elements, in combating IS, leading to tensions with Ankara.
Efforts to mediate these tensions include proposals for deploying U.S. and French troops to secure a demilitarized zone along Syria's northern border, aiming to balance Türkiye's security concerns with the strategic interests of Western allies.
Domestically, Türkiye is engaged in peace talks to resolve its decades-long conflict with the PKK. However, its military actions against Kurdish groups in Syria complicate these negotiations, as pro-Kurdish political entities within Turkey view such operations with skepticism.
Türkiye's recent moves in Syria highlight its strategic balancing act between addressing national security concerns and maintaining its alliances with Western nations. As the situation in Syria evolves, Ankara's actions will continue to influence its relationships within NATO and its role in regional stability.
