Introduction
Turkey is prepared to offer military assistance to Syria’s newly established Islamist-led government, which was formed by rebels who recently overthrew Bashar al-Assad. Defence Minister Yasar Guler made these comments on Sunday, signaling Turkey’s willingness to support the new leadership if requested.
Support Pending Request
Minister Guler emphasized that Turkey believes in providing “a chance” to the new administration and is ready to offer the necessary support should the new leadership request it. His remarks were shared with the media by Anadolu, Turkey’s state news agency, and other Turkish outlets. He highlighted the importance of observing how the new leadership progresses before determining the appropriate course of action.
A New Administration under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
The new government is primarily led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel alliance, which has historical ties to Al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch. Despite being designated a “terrorist” group by many Western nations, HTS has recently made efforts to moderate its rhetoric. The transitional government, according to Guler, has assured that it will uphold the rights of all Syrians and adhere to the rule of law, pledging to respect institutions.
Conclusion
Turkey’s stance on supporting the new Syrian administration depends on its actions and the request for military support. While HTS’s past affiliations raise concerns, its commitment to respecting rights and institutions could potentially lead to a more stable and recognized government in the future.