After the fast disintegration of the Assad regime, the difficult reconstruction of the Syrian state is only just beginning. Meanwhile, Europe, Israel, Russia, Türkiye, and the United States have major stakes in Syria’s complex future.
Ahead of the EU-led donors’ conference, the political ambitions of Syrian and Turkish leaders extend far beyond humanitarian aid. Western governments must tread a fine line between human solidarity and rough politics.
The earthquake in Türkiye and Syria is likely to rank among the deadliest calamities of the century. But this tragedy could have been avoided if only the Turkish government had not kept allowing substandard constructions to be built.
The reaction to the major earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey has not been as efficient as it could have been. For Damascus, this was due to the lack of control over its northern territory, while for Ankara, a highly centralized system slowed down the response.
Turkey has unfinished business when it comes to fighting Kurdish forces south of its border.
Clashes between Turkey and the PKK have recently intensified. By ramping up confrontation with the Kurdish armed movement in Syria and Iraq, Turkish President Erdogan is likely to improve his chances of reelection in 2023.
In a bid to gain political ground at home, Ankara has launched multiple military operations in Syria. These have laid the groundwork for a more aggressive, nationalist foreign policy with profound implications for relations with the United States, Russia, and the EU.
