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Research Paper | Political Science | Turkiye | Volume 13 Issue 6, June 2024 | Popularity: 5.7 / 10
Turkish Policy towards the Syrian Crisis (2011 - 2023): Determinants and Transformations
Omer Dugem
Abstract: Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011, Turkey has faced two main threats that have shaped its policy and stance towards the crisis: the influx of refugees and terrorist organizations in northern Syria. Turkey's policy priorities have shifted to adapt to the requirements and changes of each phase of the Syrian conflict, without significantly altering its main overarching goals. This research aims to uncover these changes in Turkish policy towards the Syrian crisis and the factors leading to these periodic changes by monitoring the differences in Turkish intervention and handling of the Syrian conflict from one period to another. In the context of its consistent strategy of demanding and working towards establishing a safe zone inside Syria and ensure the security and stability of that region, T?rkiye adopted a policy consistent with the international and Western position supporting the Syrian opposition and calling for the overthrow of the Assad regime until 2014. Subsequently, Turkey adopted a more pragmatic policy, focusing on combating the threat of terrorist organizations and abandoning the overthrow of Assad as a priority. This shift coincided with its military intervention in northern Syria, while maintaining the containment of the refugee influx as a constant goal. By the end of 2021, in line with its new "zero problems" policy, Ankara began attempting to normalize and restore relations with the Assad regime. However, the normalization process has not yet been completed due to deep disagreements over some intractable issues between the two sides.
Keywords: Turkish foreign policy, Syrian crisis, Safe zone, Terrorist organizations
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 6, June 2024
Pages: 1606 - 1615
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