Turkey redefines its role in Syria by supporting the new army and maintaining its military presence

Turkey has made a significant strategic shift in its policy towards Syria. This was confirmed by Defence Minister Yasar Guler, who revealed that Ankara is providing training and advice to the new Syrian army, while strengthening its defensive capabilities. However, he made it clear that there are no immediate plans to withdraw the more than 20,000 Turkish troops deployed in the north of the neighbouring country.

This prolonged and increasingly structural presence reflects a long-term strategy that goes beyond logistical support. Turkey not only seeks to maintain its border security and combat Kurdish groups it considers terrorists, but also to become a key player in shaping Syria's future. According to Guler, any withdrawal will only be considered once peace, total stability, the safe return of refugees and the complete elimination of threats in the region have been achieved. 

The change is remarkable. Turkey has gone from supporting certain opposition groups to becoming one of the main allies of the new Syrian government that emerged after the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December. This evolution demonstrates a renewed pragmatism in Turkish foreign policy, which now favours state cooperation to protect its interests, even if this means reconfiguring old alliances.

Ankara's influence is evident on several fronts. In addition to military support, Turkey has pledged to assist in the reconstruction of Syria and facilitate the return of millions of refugees. It has also played a crucial role, alongside Saudi Arabia, in lifting international sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, thereby strengthening its diplomatic position in the region. 

However, this renewed Turkish involvement in Syria is not without friction. In particular, Israel views the strengthening of relations between Ankara and Damascus with concern. Israeli air strikes in southern Syria continue, while the two regional powers hold discreet talks to avoid a direct military escalation. 

Guler has stressed that these meetings with Israel are technical in nature and seek to establish a conflict resolution mechanism. ‘We should not confuse these channels with a normalisation of relations,’ the minister told Reuters, making it clear that Turkey maintains a hard line against Israeli actions, especially in Gaza. 

Ankara is charting a new roadmap in Syria: consolidating its military presence, reshaping its neighbour's security system and managing regional tensions without compromising its geopolitical principles. This ambitious and carefully calibrated strategy could redefine the balance of power in the Middle East for years to come.