Western Cooperation with Turkey: A Critical Path to Peace in Syria
Analyses in the German press emphasize that Turkey has a key role to play in resolving tensions in Syria. Diplomatic efforts, especially under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are seen as an important opportunity for the West to influence the groups in conflict.
Turkey’s Critical Role
Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine said in an article that Europe and the United States have lost the chance to directly influence developments in Syria. The West should work with President Erdogan to influence the factions involved in the conflict, it said. “The Europeans and Americans should try to influence the warring parties through Erdoğan,” the analysis said.
The article emphasized the important position of Turkey alongside Iran and Russia in shaping the future of Syria and praised Turkey’s stance on Syria’s territorial integrity and a peaceful solution.
The West’s Mistakes and Loss of Power
The article criticized the West’s failure to adequately respond to the chemical attack in the Syrian city of Homs in 2012. It was stated that this situation caused the West to lose its influence over Syria. Unable to intervene in the current developments in Syria, Europe and America now need Turkey’s diplomatic power to influence the groups in conflict.
Turkey’s Diplomatic Steps
For years, Turkey has taken important steps to ensure peace and stability in northern Syria. In particular, Operation Dawn of Freedom led by the Syrian National Army resulted in the liberation of Tal Rifaat from terrorist elements. Turkey’s diplomatic and military activity in the region is seen as a critical element contributing to Syria’s territorial integrity.
President Erdoğan’s early support for opposition groups has made Turkey a key player in the Syrian equation. Der Spiegel stated that the West should take advantage of this diplomatic power.
What Happened?
There have been important developments in northern Syria in recent days. The clashes between the Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countryside of Aleppo resulted in the opposition taking control of critical regions such as Idlib and Hama. In this process, the Syrian National Army, supported by Turkey, cleared Tal Rifaat of terrorist elements and made a significant contribution to restoring the balance in the region.
The Path the West Should Follow
The article emphasized that the European Union and the United States should work more closely with Turkey. Turkey’s peace efforts and diplomatic effectiveness are seen as an advantage for the West. However, this cooperation should not repeat the mistakes the West has made in the past and should support Syrians with concrete aid.
