ANKARA'S UNIQUE ROLE IN NEGOTIATIONS TO END RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT
U.S. representative commends Turkey's distinctive contribution in negotiations for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
In a recent interview, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack acknowledged Turkey's significant role in the ongoing talks to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, held in Istanbul.
"Thanks to Turkey's traditional cooperation with both Russia and Ukraine, it's effortless for them to establish substantial dialogue," Barrack shared with Turkish broadcaster NTV. He emphasized Turkey's key role in NATO, as well as its influential presence in the region, evident in Syria and the Russia-Ukraine standoff.
The ambassador also praised the solid relationship between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump, stating his intentions to further fortify their partnership. He hinted that Trump's patience regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is beginning to wear thin.
Moving Away from A Century-Old Approach in Syria
Acknowledging the region's ongoing struggles, Barrack placed much of the blame on the manipulations of Western powers since World War I.
"Let's talk about the Balfour Declaration, for example - an attempt to create a free homeland for the Jewish population," he said, adding, "Then came the Sykes-Picot Agreement, where two British and French officials arbitrarily drew borders in a region teeming with diverse tribes and religious groups."
He pointed out the Ottoman Empire's existing system, but noted that its fragmented nature made it challenging to draw artificial borders within it, similar to the Sykes-Picot arrangement.
Barrack asserted that these historical decisions and conflicts in the region were shaped by Western powers, primarily driven by the desire to control fossil fuel resources.
Rumors are circulating about the potential integration of the PKK/YPG into the Syrian regime, but Barrack expressed cautious optimism, citing the need for strong mutual cooperation to maintain U.S. support for the SDF. He warned that a lack of unity could lead to a diminished U.S. presence in the region.
With the U.S. military presence in Syria slowly decreasing, the number of bases has declined from eight to just one, and pressure is mounting on all sides to reach an agreement. Without strong cooperation, the U.S.'s role in the region may gradually dissipate.
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The role of the U.S. in Syria is multi-faceted, primarily revolving around the PKK/YPG and U.S. military presence. The U.S. military supports the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its affiliated YPG in the fight against ISIS, but the YPG's ties to the PKK pose a political issue. The U.S. is also offering sanctions relief to Syria to promote stability and peace. In the future, the U.S. faces a diplomatic challenge in maintaining its alliance with the SDF while avoiding endorsing the YPG as a PKK offshoot, which could jeopardize its military presence in Syria. Additionally, the U.S. is likely to continue providing economic and political support to rebuild Syria's economy while ensuring it doesn't become a terrorist sanctuary. Navigating regional dynamics, such as Turkey's ambitions in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Regional Government's political standing in Iraq, will be crucial in shaping the U.S.'s long-term involvement in Syria.
In the context of international affairs and geopolitics, the complex situation in Syria underscores the importance of war-and-conflicts and politics, as evidenced by the United States' multifaceted role in resolving the crisis, including negotiations with parties involved and the deployment of military resources. Furthermore, the General News landscape is influenced by the ongoing developments in Syria, with key discussions revolving around the U.S.'s support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its efforts to maintain stability in the region.
