Türkiye’s Fidan: Syria faces historic shift as Assad regime collapses in just 10 days

14 December 2024 13:26

Syria is experiencing a historic turning point, with the 61-year-old Assad regime collapsing in just 10 days, marking the beginning of a new chapter after nearly 14 years of civil war, as stated by Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan.

Fidan, who personally participated in the entire 14-year process, played a crucial role in making vital decisions at key stages of the process, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

During his tenure as head of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), he shaped the course of events in Syria, from the creation of the international coalition to the fight against ISIS and the PKK, from the Astana process to advancing the political process, which began in Idlib and concluded in Damascus.

Throughout this long process, numerous stages were passed, and strategic decisions were made under the leadership of President Erdoğan.

Speaking about the final stage of the Syrian civil war, Fidan highlighted the roles of Russia and Iran, two great powers with strategic interests and priorities.

"When the operation began, the most important thing was to ensure that the Russians and Iranians spoke with them, rather than engaging in military confrontation. Our meetings with the Russians and Iranians were the outcome of this week. Iran’s foreign minister visited us, then we met with both the Russians and Iranians in Doha to discuss certain issues.

I do not wish to elaborate on everything here, but after a certain moment, they called, and Assad left that same evening," said Türkiye’s Foreign Minister.

In his interview, Hakan Fidan made several key statements:

Türkiye advocates for the formation of an inclusive government in Syria.
The protection of minorities and the liberation of Syria from terrorism remain key priorities.
The elimination of the PKK/YPG terrorist group is a principal strategic priority. The use of ISIS to blackmail the international community via the PKK/YPG is unacceptable.
The so-called fight against ISIS is essentially a matter of guarding prisoners. The PKK/YPG merely control ISIS fighters, but Syria now has a national government capable of addressing this issue.
Türkiye condemns the exploitation of Syrian oil fields by the PKK members from Europe and the US, as well as their transportation via Iraq. The Syrian national government also opposes this.
Türkiye has sent a message to Israel urging it to abandon its dangerous strategy of occupying the Golan Heights.
If the Netanyahu administration receives support from Trump, it could lead to an expansion of the occupation, including the West Bank, which would pose a threat to Jordan and Egypt.
The entire leadership of the PKK/YPG must leave Syria, and any remaining members should lay down their arms.