Turkey’s Growing Shadow Over Syria Threatens U.S. Security | Opinion
Summary
Turkey is increasing its influence in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, filling the power gap left by Iran. This growing Turkish presence affects regional security and challenges U.S. interests, especially with Turkey supporting forces that oppose the U.S.-allied Kurds.Key Facts
- Syria’s long-time leader Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024, ending 53 years of family rule.
- Iran had heavily invested in Syria's economy and politics but lost influence after Assad’s fall.
- Turkey supports Syrian rebel groups, including those led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate whose reward for capture was canceled in 2024.
- The U.S. removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list under the Trump Administration, allowing more diplomatic and economic engagement.
- Turkey shares a 560-mile border with Syria and now has troops and diplomats strongly involved in Syrian affairs, including in Kurdish regions supported by the U.S.
- Kurdish fighters who helped the U.S. fight ISIS are now under Syrian control influenced by Turkey, leading to concerns of U.S. allies being abandoned.
- Turkish President Erdoğan aims to restore Turkey’s regional power similar to the Ottoman Empire, with military presence in Syria, Cyprus, Libya, and partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
- Turkey’s expanding influence raises questions about whether it is creating regional stability or a new sphere of control like Iran had in Syria.
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