Türkiye’s top diplomat on Thursday said U.S. President Donald Trump should be convinced to withdraw American troops from Syria, adding that it would be cost-effective for Washington.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s remarks came days after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call with Trump, which the top diplomat said was “highly positive.”
He said maintaining American military presence in Syria may no longer align with the priorities of the U.S. administration. He noted that the terrorist group PKK’s presence in Syria is tried to be legitimized via the issue of Daesh prisons.
Emphasizing that measures have been taken on this matter, Fidan urged the regional countries to fight against Daesh.
The U.S., under the pretext of “fight” against Daesh, is allied with PKK’s Syrian offshoot YPG, despite protests by Türkiye. Both countries regard PKK as a terrorist group.
Türkiye has sharply criticized U.S. stance in Syria as a betrayal of a NATO ally.
Earlier this month, the interim Syrian government reached an agreement with the YPG-dominated SDF, which includes a cease-fire and merging the forces with the Syrian army.
This is an absolute replay of what occurred in Iraq- And Turkey knows that as does anyone who has paid attention to this situation. Turkey did not support the American attack on Iraq, and did not allow use of it’s airspace.
Disarmament, dissolution of YPG
Ankara is cautious about the agreement signed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ferhat Abdi Şahin code-named "Mazloum Kobani,"the wanted ringleader of the SDF, said Fidan, adding that the country will closely monitor the process in the short term.The disarmament and dissolution of the YPG under the control of the Syrian government are essential conditions for lasting peace, he noted.
As has been stated repeatedly, the ousting of Assad, the installation of Usrael backed terrorists did not benefit Turkey, though they are attempting to make the best of it. – Hence Ankara is cautious about the agreement and will monitor. Lots of disinfo has been floating around, but, in realpolitik, the western installed government is not beneficial to Turkey.
The SDF has resisted this type of arrangement, asking instead to call for Israeli involvement- The agreement they signed with Golani buys them time as Israel bombs/ethnically cleanses it’s way through Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its political wing, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have continued to resist efforts to integrate into Syria’s national military, rejecting negotiations with Damascus while maintaining links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU.
While Damascus has called for a peaceful resolution, the SDF has engaged in hostilities in Syrian cities and towns, with reports of shelling, small-arms fire, and attacks involving car bombs. The group’s refusal to dissolve and its military activities have contributed to ongoing instability.
The SDF’s (PKK) ongoing clashes with the SNA,(Turkish backed) particularly in northern and eastern Syria, have prolonged uncertainty in the region. The Dawn of Freedom operation launched by SNA factions late last year against the SDF has resulted in shifting frontlines, with no clear resolution despite international calls for de-escalation.
SDF’s Position on Israel’s Role
In a recent interview with The Jerusalem Post, Ilham Ahmad, co-chair of the AANES Foreign Relations Department, stated that Israel should be part of regional security discussions, saying
“Syria’s security requires Israeli intervention.”Her remarks come as international attention remains focused on Israel’s role in broader Middle East tensions, including its military operations in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
Economic & Political Disagreements
Beyond military disputes, the SDF has opposed lifting sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad regime, arguing that economic pressure should remain until greater political reforms are secured. Ahmad stated that sanctions should remain in place, voicing opposition to efforts to reintegrate Syria fully into the international community without additional conditions.
The SDF also continues to control large portions of Syria’s oil and gas fields, as well as key agricultural and water resources, which has led to disputes over resource distribution and economic recovery efforts.
The SDF/PKK are not friends of Syria’s population and they have never been.
Regarding the attempted colour revolution- it’s still ongoing, but, I’m not sure how well it’s going