Syria-Turkey Defense Agreement in the Works

A dramatic development in the geopolitical arena of the Middle East: Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, met in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss a comprehensive defense agreement between the two countries. If signed, this agreement is expected to fundamentally change the military cooperation between Turkey and the new Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

According to reports from foreign news agencies, the proposed agreement includes several key components, including the establishment of Turkish air force bases in central Syria, granting the Turkish air force access rights to Syrian airspace, and comprehensive training programs for the emerging Syrian army. Additionally, the agreement is expected to lead to closer strategic cooperation, reflected in enhanced military coordination, integration of defense strategies, and joint security initiatives.

The timing of this alliance is particularly significant in light of the ongoing tensions in northern Syria. The region has been plagued by escalating conflicts between Turkey-backed forces and Kurdish fighters, with deadly events such as a car bomb attack in Manbij that claimed 20 lives, and the continued presence of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern areas.

Several key political factors are behind this strategic initiative. Turkey views the SDF as linked to the PKK terrorist organization and seeks to establish a military presence near Kurdish-controlled territories. The agreement is intended to strengthen Turkey's position regarding its concerns about Kurdish autonomy. On the other hand, President al-Shara expressed the SDF’s willingness to disarm, emphasizing the importance of establishing unified state control and a commitment to a non-sectarian government structure.

The proposed agreement comes against the backdrop of broader political developments in Syria, including plans for presidential elections within 4-5 years, a focus on rebuilding national infrastructure, and an emphasis on establishing unified state authority.

This emerging partnership represents a significant shift in regional dynamics and may create new frameworks for security cooperation while addressing long-standing concerns about Kurdish autonomy and border security. The success of these discussions could reshape the military and political landscape of the region, though implementation will require careful navigation of complex ethnic and territorial considerations.