After over a decade of severed ties, Turkish President Erdogan has expressed his interest in restoring relations with Syrian President Assad during a flight back from Berlin. Both leaders, who had enjoyed a close personal relationship in the past, have signaled their willingness to normalize diplomatic relations amid regional tensions. This comes as Turkey faces pressure to repatriate millions of Syrian refugees and has recently faced anti-refugee sentiment within the country. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed accusing Syria, along with Iran and North Korea, of supporting a recent attack by Hamas on Israel.
Turkey and Syria: A Renewed Diplomatic Overture Amidst Regional Tensions
Turkey and Syria have been at odds for over a decade, but a recent overture by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised hopes of a reconciliation. Erdogan expressed his willingness to restore relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a flight back from Berlin.
Background
Turkey and Syria were once close allies, but the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 strained their relationship. Turkey supported the anti-Assad rebels, while Syria accused Turkey of aiding and abetting terrorism. The conflict led to a massive influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.
Erdogan's Initiative
Erdogan's proposal for rapprochement comes amidst a backdrop of regional tensions and domestic pressure. Turkey is facing pressure from the international community to repatriate Syrian refugees, especially as anti-refugee sentiment grows within the country. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Syria, accusing it of supporting a recent Hamas attack on Israel.
Assad's Response
Assad has signaled his openness to normalizing relations with Turkey. In an interview with Russian media, he stated that he was willing to meet Erdogan under the right conditions. However, he also emphasized that any reconciliation must be based on mutual respect and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syrian territory.
Implications
A rapprochement between Turkey and Syria would have significant implications for the region. It could help resolve the Syrian refugee crisis, ease tensions in the Middle East, and reduce Turkey's burden of hosting millions of refugees. However, it could also complicate Turkey's relationships with its Western allies, who view Assad as a war criminal.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why has Erdogan expressed interest in restoring relations with Assad?
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5. Is a reconciliation between Turkey and Syria imminent?
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