The United States State Department has made a significant announcement, stating that it does not support the normalisation efforts between Turkey and Syria. Moreover, the US emphasized that it would not normalise its own relations with Syria until a political solution to the 13-year conflict is reached.
The announcement came in response to an inquiry from Diyar Kurda, the Washington Bureau Chief for Rûdaw news agency, known for its proximity to the Barzani administration in Northern Iraq. The response, delivered via email, clarifies the US position on the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Ankara and Damascus.
A spokesperson for the State Department stated, “We are aware of reports indicating possible normalisation between Turkey and Syria. The United States does not support these normalisation efforts.” This statement underscores the US’s firm stance against normalising relations with the Syrian regime without significant political progress.
In another part of the response, the spokesperson elaborated, “As the United States, we will not normalise relations with the Assad regime unless we see serious progress towards a political solution. We have called on all countries with ties to the Syrian regime to leverage these relationships to improve the humanitarian situation, human rights, and security conditions for Syrians, in line with the goals of UN Resolution 2254.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continues to signal positively towards normalisation. During a recent cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdoğan reiterated the importance of dialogue with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, describing the meeting as a “necessity” rather than a choice.
President Erdoğan’s statements highlight the Turkish government’s perspective that engaging with Syria is crucial, given the complex geopolitical and humanitarian issues at play. The Turkish administration believes that normalisation with Syria is essential to address security concerns and manage the refugee situation more effectively.
This development adds a new dimension to the already intricate relationship between the US and Turkey. While both nations are NATO allies, their approaches to Syria have often diverged. The US’s support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey views as a terrorist organisation due to its links to the PKK, has been a major point of contention.
The US’s opposition to Turkey’s normalisation efforts with Syria is likely to further complicate bilateral relations. However, it also reflects the broader international community’s cautious approach towards the Assad regime, which remains under sanctions and diplomatic isolation due to its human rights record and the ongoing civil conflict.
The US’s stance is significant as it sends a clear message to other countries in the region considering re-establishing ties with the Syrian government. The insistence on a political solution aligns with the broader objectives of international diplomacy, aiming to ensure stability and security in the region through negotiated settlements rather than unilateral actions.
Turkey’s pursuit of normalisation, on the other hand, indicates a pragmatic approach to regional politics. The Turkish government appears to be prioritising immediate security and humanitarian concerns over long-term political strategies, a move that might influence other regional actors.
In conclusion, the US State Department’s recent statement reaffirms its commitment to a political resolution in Syria and highlights the complexities of international relations involving Turkey and Syria. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these diplomatic efforts will unfold and what impact they will have on the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
