Türkiye in Syria, Trump praising Erdoğan, Kalın in Damascus, Embassy opened

We will see whether Türkiye really benefits from the developments in Syria, but she is actively involved:

Turkish Embassy in Damascus resumes operations after 12 years

Turkey condemns Israel plan to double Golan Heights population

Here are the key Türkiye-related news items regarding Syria:

Turkey’s Diplomatic Moves
• Turkey reopened its embassy in Syria on December 14, 2024, becoming the first country to do so since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime[1].
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed Turkey’s desire for a “terror-free Syria” and an inclusive government[1].

Turkey’s Role in Recent Events
• President-elect Donald Trump characterized the rebel ouster of Assad as an “unfriendly takeover” by Turkey, praising Turkey’s actions[2][4].
• Trump stated that Turkey “is going to hold the key to Syria” and praised his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan[4].

Turkey’s Stance on Syria’s Future
• Turkey called for reconciliation between the Syrian government and opposition to end the conflict[6].
• Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan blamed the recent flare-up on Damascus’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the opposition[6].

Military and Security Concerns
• Turkey’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler accused Kurdish groups and Israel of threatening Syria’s stability[8].
• Turkey-backed forces reportedly seized Manbij city in northern Syria[8].

Diplomatic Engagements
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with President Erdogan in Ankara to discuss the situation in Syria[10].
• Erdogan emphasized the importance of equal representation of national will in Syria and called for assistance from neighboring countries and the international community[10].

Refugee Situation
• Turkey hosts around 3 million Syrian refugees, while the EU has granted international protection to over 1 million[10].

These developments highlight Turkey’s significant involvement in shaping Syria’s future and its emerging role as a key player in the region following recent events[1][4][6][8][10].

Citations:

1. Turkey Reopens Its Embassy in Syria for the First Time in 12 Years – Euronews
2. Trump Calls Rebel Victory in Syria ‘Unfriendly Takeover’ by Turkey – France 24
3. Turkey Could Benefit from Rebel Offensive in Syria: Experts – France 24
4. Trump Says Türkiye Will Hold Key to Syria, Hails Relationship with Turkish President – Anadolu Agency
5. Donald Trump Says Turkey Orchestrated Bashar Assad Overthrow in Syria – Politico
6. Turkey Calls for Reconciliation Between Syria Government and Opposition to End Conflict – VOA News
7. Trump Praises Toppling of Syria’s Assad as ‘Unfriendly Takeover’ by Türkiye – Al Jazeera
8. Turkey’s Defense Minister Says Kurdish Groups, Israel Threaten Syria’s Stability – Bianet
9. Turkey’s Role in Syria Rebels’ Victory: Erdogan’s Influence – The New York Times
10. No Future for Terrorists in the Region, Erdogan Says in Syria Talks – Daily Sabah