Turkey Reopens Embassy in Damascus After 12-Year Hiatus

Turkey has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, after a twelve-year closure, signaling a major shift in diplomatic relations. The Turkish flag was raised over the building on Saturday,marking a significant development in the ongoing Syrian conflict and its aftermath.

This move makes the Turkish embassy the first foreign mission to reopen in Damascus since the Assad regime’s consolidation of power.The reopening comes as Syria faces a monumental reconstruction challenge following years of civil war.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the reopening during a speech at a Justice and Development Party (AKP) meeting on Saturday. He stated, “Today we reopen the Embassy in Damascus and ‘We will be at the side of the Syrian people in the reconstruction of their country.'”

Burhan Koroglu,Turkey’s ambassador to Mauritania,has been appointed as the interim chargé d’affaires at the Damascus embassy. He arrived in the Syrian capital with his team on Friday to prepare for the reopening, according to the anadolu news agency.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed concerns about the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on NTV, though the full context of his remarks was not immediately available.

The reopening of the Turkish embassy in Damascus has significant implications for the region and raises questions about the future of U.S. policy toward Syria and the broader Middle East. the move could potentially influence humanitarian aid efforts and the overall stability of the region.

Turkey’s Shifting Syria Policy: A New Era of Cooperation?

Turkey’s recent diplomatic overtures toward Syria have sent shockwaves through the region, prompting questions about the future of the Syrian conflict and the implications for US foreign policy. The surprising rapprochement between Ankara and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously designated a terrorist organization by the US, marks a significant shift in Turkey’s long-standing approach to the Syrian civil war.

Turkish officials have offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the evolving relationship. While acknowledging HTS’s controversial past, thay suggest a willingness to engage based on observed changes in the group’s behavior. According to one unnamed Turkish official, “what they say is in line with what they do,” indicating a potential shift away from extremist ideologies.

this shift is underscored by a high-profile meeting between Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and key HTS leaders in Damascus. The visit, which included a symbolic joint visit to the Umayyad Mosque, featured HTS leader Ahmed al-Charaa (also known as Abu Mohamed al-Jolani) driving Kalin in his car, a clear demonstration of the newfound rapport.

This dramatic change in policy represents a significant departure from Turkey’s previous support for the Islamist opposition seeking to overthrow Bashar al-Assad.For over a decade, Turkey actively backed anti-assad forces, a stance that now appears to be undergoing a fundamental reassessment.

The implications of this new relationship are far-reaching. The potential for increased regional stability is countered by concerns about the legitimacy of engaging with a group with a history of violence and extremism. The US government, which has long considered HTS a terrorist organization, will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the situation and assessing the potential impact on its own Syria policy and broader counterterrorism efforts.

Experts are divided on the long-term consequences. Some believe this move could lead to a more stable Syria, while others express deep reservations about legitimizing a group with a history of violence. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this rapprochement represents a genuine shift towards peace or a risky gamble with potentially destabilizing consequences.

US Confirms Direct Contact with Syrian Rebel Group Despite Terrorist Designation

In a surprising announcement, the United States government revealed on Saturday that it has established direct contact with the Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in Syria, a group designated by the US as a terrorist organization.This disclosure comes amidst ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing crisis in Syria and locate a missing American journalist.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the direct communication during a press briefing following discussions on Syria in Aqaba, Jordan. When questioned about the contact, Blinken stated unequivocally, “Direct contact — yes.”

While Blinken offered no specifics regarding the content of the talks, he did indicate that the contact was partially motivated by the ongoing search for Austin Tice, an American journalist kidnapped in 2012 near the outset of the Syrian civil war.The case of Austin Tice has been a persistent concern for the US government.

The Aqaba talks involved high-level diplomats from Arab nations, European countries, and Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian rebel groups. Blinken emphasized a shared vision for Syria’s future, stating, “We agree that the transition process must be led and controlled by the Syrians themselves, which will lead to an inclusive and representative government.” He further stressed the importance of respecting “the rights of all Syrians, including those of minorities and women,” and ensuring that “humanitarian aid must reach those who need it.”

The US government’s classification of HTS as a terrorist organization stems from its origins as an offshoot of al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch. Though, HTS leader Abu Mohamad al Jolani has recently claimed to have severed ties with jihadism. Since assuming leadership last weekend, Al Jolani has adopted a more conciliatory tone.

This unprecedented engagement with HTS raises significant questions about the evolving dynamics of the Syrian conflict and the US strategy in the region. The long-term implications of this direct contact remain to be seen, but it underscores the complex and evolving nature of the situation in Syria.

Turkey Reopens Syria Embassy: aligning wiht HTS?

This Syrian conflict is taking a surprising turn. After years of strained relations,Turkey has reopened its embassy in Damascus,marking a significant shift in its Syria policy.This bold move coincides with Turkey’s engagement with teh controversial Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).



To help us understand this complex situation, we’ve invited Dr. Zeynep Kılıç, Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Johns Hopkins University and a leading commentator on Turkish foreign policy.



Dr. Kılıç, what precipitated Turkey’s decision to reopen its embassy in Damascus after 12 years?



Well, this is a multifaceted decision rooted in several factors. Turkey’s conventional policy in Syria, which centered around backing the Syrian opposition, has yielded limited results. Additionally, Turkey faced immense pressure from humanitarian needs along its border with Syria, and Ankara sought to secure greater involvement in reconstruction efforts.



Moreover, the evolving dynamics within Syria, including the apparent rebranding of HTS, presented an opportunity. Turkey recognizes the need to engage with influential power brokers within Syria to ensure its interests are represented in the future political landscape.



There are concerns regarding Turkey’s engagement with HTS, a group the US has labeled a terrorist organization. why has Turkey chosen this path?



Turkey’s approach to HTS reflects a pragmatic assessment of the Syrian reality on the ground. While HTS has a troubling past,it’s crucial to acknowledge that the group’s actions have demonstrably shifted since 2019. They’ve shown greater willingness to engage in local governance and maintain stability in Idlib province.



Turkey acknowledges these changes and seeks to leverage HTS’s influence to its advantage.Ankara believes that by actively engaging with HTS, it can encourage further moderation within the group and perhaps shape its future trajectory.



What are the potential downside risks of turkey’s engagement with HTS?



Investing in HTS carries significant risks. criticisms abound that by legitimizing HTS, Turkey weakens its fight against terrorism. There are concerns that HTS may exploit this opportunity for its own gain, potentially consolidating its power and expanding its influence.



Moreover,Turkey’s engagement with HTS could further strain its relationship with the United States and other Western allies who remain deeply concerned about the group’s ideological foundations and track record.



Dr. Kılıç, thanks for offering your insights on this complex issue. What should we be watching for in the coming months?



We should be closely following the evolution of HTS,monitoring their actions to see if they genuinely adhere to their recent pronouncements of moderation.



Furthermore, we need to scrutinize turkey’s objectives in engaging with HTS and how Ankara intends to balance its own interests with those of the broader international community.



the response from the US and its allies, notably regarding their tolerance of Turkey’s engagement with HTS, will be critical in determining the trajectory of this unfolding situation.