Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has urged both Israel and Turkey to refrain from actions that could undermine the transition towards a peaceful Syria following the recent ousting of President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led rebels. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Baerbock emphasized the importance of a Syrian-led internal dialogue and cautioned against external influences that threaten this process.
Amid ongoing tensions, Israel has conducted military strikes targeting various sites in Syria, which include weapons depots, in order to safeguard its security interests. Additionally, the Israeli military presence has extended into a UN-patrolled zone adjacent to the Golan Heights.
Turkey is equally concerned about the potential rise of Kurdish separatist groups in the aftermath of Assad’s departure, particularly as Kurdish forces have controlled significant territories in northeastern Syria since 2012. Ankara regards these Kurdish groups, specifically the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey.
On the ground, Turkish-aligned groups have conducted offensives in northern Syria, leading to clashes with Kurdish forces in areas such as Manbij, where a recent ceasefire was brokered by the United States. Baerbock underscored the ongoing uncertainty of Syria’s transitional phase and stressed that foreign powers should not manipulate the situation to their advantage, as Syria has a turbulent history tied to alliances with Russia and Iran during Assad’s presidency.
The article highlights the critical stance of Germany regarding the roles of Israel and Turkey in shaping Syria’s future post-Assad. It advocates for a Syrian-led dialogue free from external interference, recognizing the complex geopolitical landscape influenced by Kurdish factions and military actions. The call for careful diplomacy underscores the fragility of the current situation and the necessity to prevent Syria from being a pawn in foreign disputes.
