Erdogan aiming to reshape Syria with Trump backing: Bloomberg
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Turkiye aims to dominate Syria's reconstruction, using the Assad regime's downfall and the Gaza ceasefire to secure contracts, boost trade, and expand its geopolitical influence.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan listens to a question during a news conference after talks with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 11, 2024. (AP)
A Bloomberg report on Sunday stated that while Donald Trump threatens to disrupt US foreign policy, an old figure is positioning himself to capitalize on a new phase of US diplomacy in the Middle East.
The report suggests that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was positioning himself to take advantage of the possible downfall of the Assad regime in Syria and the ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that should circumstances align in his favor, it could pave the way for lucrative reconstruction deals, expanded trade prospects, and increased geopolitical influence, potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Turkiye's opposition to US-backed Kurdish forces is complicating efforts to stabilize the region, with President Erdogan insisting on their disbandment, according to Bloomberg. Despite recent talks with the Biden administration, no resolution was reached and a Turkish delegation is expected to visit Washington soon to continue discussions on the matter.
That said, Turkiye has been aiming for decades to neutralize the PKK threat, and now found the opportunity to try and do so.
Turkish interests in Syria
According to the people close to the Turkish government, there are also commercial interests, according to the report. With hundreds of Turkish trucks transporting food, medicine, and construction materials across the border daily, Erdogan is aiming to take on a larger role in Syria's reconstruction efforts, the report added.
Turkish authorities are holding frequent meetings to coordinate Syria's reconstruction, with a focus on rebuilding cities, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Shares in Turkish cement and steel producers have surged since Assad's ousting, and Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Damascus on Thursday after a 13-year break, as per the Bloomberg report.
“Turkey is eying to capture the lion’s share in Syria’s reconstruction,” said Oytun Orhan, a Syria specialist at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Ankara, adding, “When the Syrian opposition captured Damascus, Turkey won the opportunity to monetize its years of direct or indirect support for them.”
According to Bloomberg, Turkiye believes its aspirations for a larger role in Syria have tacit approval from both the US and "Israel", provided it avoids targeting Syrian Kurdish forces and softening its criticism of "Israel's" policies in Gaza and the West Bank, according to anonymous Turkish officials and advisors.
During talks with US officials in Ankara this month, Turkiye demanded the disbandment of US-backed Kurdish YPG forces under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the departure of PKK members from Syria.
“If the YPG terrorist organization, which usurped Syria’s natural resources, does not dissolve itself and lay down its arms, it will not be able to escape the upcoming bitter end,” Erdogan told the parliament in Ankara earlier this month.
'Turkey aims to shape the future of Syria'
In addition to geopolitical influence, there is also the potential for a lucrative reconstruction opportunity, according to Bloomberg.
Turkiye also finances and supports the Syrian National Army (SNA), which played a role in toppling Assad and has been attempting to seize more territory from Kurdish forces in northern Syria. However, the US has opposed Turkish demands to disband the SDF and YPG, viewing the Kurds as a crucial ally in containing ISIS in Syria, according to sources familiar with Turkiye's position, as reported by Bloomberg.
Last month, some US senators threatened Turkiye that the Syrian National Army (SNA) must halt its actions. However, the attitude in Washington has shifted, with Trump, who has referred to Erdogan as both a "friend" and a "devil," praising Turkiye's president and stating that the country will play a key role in shaping Syria's future.
According to Bloomberg, Turkiye has sought assistance from Gulf countries to help finance projects estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars. In the northern city of Aleppo, where half of the city is in ruins, Turkish builders are already evaluating construction projects.
Turkiye plans to reestablish Syria as its primary overland export route to the Gulf, replacing the costlier shipping route through Egypt once security conditions improve, as per the report.
