{"id":81,"date":"2024-07-11T08:26:24","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T08:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xwendin.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/11\/philippines-to-cancel-landings-1-5b-casino-project\/"},"modified":"2024-11-05T08:14:29","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T08:14:29","slug":"philippines-to-cancel-landings-1-5b-casino-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/?p=81","title":{"rendered":"Turkish politicians’ stances on Syrian AANES and prospects for dialogue"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gulistan Korban – Ankara \/ Istanbul \/ Diyarbakir<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turkish politicians hold varying views on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), each shaped by perspectives on its identity and implications for Turkey. While government officials align with the state\u2019s firm stance, labeling the AANES as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Kurdish politicians in Turkey often take pride in the AANES project emerging along Turkey\u2019s southern border.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s Official Stance: A Persistent Refusal<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Under the leadership of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkey’s government has consistently denied the legitimacy of the AANES, which it frames as a PKK-controlled territory. Official Turkish media reflect this narrative, portraying the administration as an arm of a hostile organization, banned for its armed struggle within Turkey.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the heart of these differing opinions are questions about Turkey\u2019s national security, the potential for diplomatic dialogue, and Turkey’s readiness to negotiate with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Former AKP parliamentarian Mehmet Metiner and People\u2019s Democratic Party (HDP) parliamentarian Ahmet Turk shared their insights on these complex issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A U.S. Plot Against Turkey<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Mehmet Metiner, a former AKP parliamentarian of Kurdish origin, views the AANES as a PKK proxy, bolstered by the U.S.-led Coalition against ISIS. Metiner perceives the PKK\u2019s presence in Syria as part of an American agenda that also serves Israeli interests. He argues that the U.S. \u201cuses the PKK as a military threat against Turkey to impose its designs and then presents itself as a mediator to remove that same threat.”<\/span><\/p>\n

In Metiner\u2019s view, U.S. support for the SDF\u2014a coalition including the Kurdish People\u2019s Protection Units (YPG)\u2014enables a dangerous alliance that challenges Turkey’s security. He states, \u201cThe coalition aims to pressure Turkey into accepting a PKK-run administration in Syria under the guise of peace negotiations.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turkish Military Operations and PKK Allegations<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Turkey has conducted multiple military operations targeting PKK and YPG strongholds, with the most recent involving Turkish-backed Syrian National Army forces. Turkey’s 2018 incursion led to the occupation of Afrin, while the 2019 campaign captured Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad. Since then, Turkey has continued to carry out airstrikes on SDF-controlled areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metiner dismisses claims that Turkey’s policies are anti-Kurdish, framing them instead as necessary defensive actions against \u201ca hostile terrorist organization and the imperial powers backing it.\u201d He stresses that \u201cErdogan\u2019s Turkey and our AKP party have no issue with the Kurds of Syria or Kurds in general. The problem lies with the PKK and its supporters.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Distinguishing Kurdish Groups: The HDP Perspective<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

In contrast to Metiner, HDP parliamentarian Ahmet Turk emphasizes the historical context of Kurdish marginalization in the region. He traces Kurdish repression back to treaties like Sykes-Picot, which partitioned Kurdish lands. Turk argues that Kurds in Syria merely seek the right to self-govern, noting, \u201cKurds in Syria gained a chance to govern themselves following the 2011 protests, which is a natural right for any people, as seen in many examples globally.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Turk calls for a clear distinction between PKK-affiliated groups and the broader Kurdish community in Syria, arguing, \u201cThe military force in North and East Syria today is the SDF, not the PKK. This distinction must be understood.\u201d He believes such differentiation could ease tensions and create opportunities for dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No Issue with Syrian Kurds\u00a0<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Metiner, however, insists that Turkey has no issue with Syrian Kurds and would not oppose a Kurdish administration within a Syrian constitutional framework, provided the PKK is excluded. \u201cIf a new Syrian constitution recognizes local Kurdish self-governance, Turkey would naturally accept it,\u201d he explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Metiner underscores a key condition: \u201cIf the PKK maintains its armed presence, Turkey will not accept the administration there, even if it gains legal recognition.\u201d He denies that the SDF is a legitimate Kurdish force, describing it as \u201cthe PKK\u2019s armed forces, backed by the international coalition.”\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Kurdish Right to Self-Administration<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Turk argues that the self-administration of Kurdish regions is a \u201cnatural right.\u201d He points out that Kurdish groups in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey are increasingly focused on political goals rather than separatism. \u201cKurds are not seeking to break away; they want to be acknowledged and live in alignment with their cultural identity,\u201d he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turk calls on Turkey to differentiate between political factions and armed groups within the Kurdish population. \u201cTurkey knows that Kurdish political positions vary by country,\u201d he says, adding that understanding these differences could improve Turkey\u2019s approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ongoing Challenges and Hopes for Dialogue<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Both politicians agree that tensions in North and East Syria are unsustainable but offer differing solutions. While Turk believes that Turkey\u2019s policies need a more nuanced approach, Metiner insists that any dialogue hinges on the PKK abandoning violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi, representing the Kurdish-led forces in Syria, frequently reiterates his willingness to engage with all parties, including Turkey. Abdi maintains that the SDF operates independently of the PKK and seeks stability within Syria\u2019s borders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dialogue is Possible Without the U.S.\u00a0<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Metiner argues that Turkey can negotiate directly with Syrian Kurds, without the U.S. involvement. He asserts, \u201cWe don\u2019t need the U.S. to mediate,\u201d adding that the SDF\u2019s formation was a product of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan\u2019s proposals, later adopted by the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Metiner, Washington\u2019s involvement complicates Turkey\u2019s regional policies. He questions the Autonomous Administration\u2019s legitimacy, saying, \u201cDoes this administration have any constitutional foundation? No. Turkey will never accept a U.S.-backed entity on its borders akin to a second Israel.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Metiner concludes that a new, cooperative relationship with Syrian Kurds could emerge if Turkey\u2019s security concerns were addressed through dialogue. He envisions a scenario where the Syrian government and Kurdish leaders could reach a mutual understanding, leading to a more stable future.<\/span><\/p>\n

For his part, Turk advocates for open dialogue to resolve conflicts in Syria, emphasizing that Turkey and the Syrian regime should acknowledge the legitimacy of the SDF and the AANES. He argues that political authorities must prioritize the well-being of diverse communities over narrow political interests, noting that accepting the administration that protects millions in the region is essential for advancing peace and stability. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gulistan Korban – Ankara \/ Istanbul \/ Diyarbakir   Turkish politicians hold varying views on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), each shaped by perspectives on its identity and implications for Turkey. While government officials align with the state\u2019s firm stance, labeling the AANES as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":805,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"source_name":"","source_url":"","via_name":"","via_url":"","override_template":"0","override":[{"template":"2","single_blog_custom":"","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"0","layout":"no-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"topbottom","share_float_style":"share-normal","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"0","show_post_reading_time":"0","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","show_zoom_button":"0","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"0","show_prev_next_post":"0","show_popup_post":"0","number_popup_post":"2","show_author_box":"0","show_post_related":"0","show_inline_post_related":"0"}],"override_image_size":"0","image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"no-crop","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post":"0","trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post":"0","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","sponsored_post_name":"","sponsored_post_url":"","sponsored_post_logo_enable":"0","sponsored_post_logo":"","sponsored_post_desc":"","disable_ad":"0"},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":"","hide":""},"jnews_social_meta":{"fb_title":"","fb_description":"","fb_image":"","twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":""},"jnews_override_counter":{"override_view_counter":"0","view_counter_number":"0","override_share_counter":"0","share_counter_number":"0","override_like_counter":"0","like_counter_number":"0","override_dislike_counter":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"jnews_post_split":{"enable_post_split":"0","post_split":[{"template":"1","tag":"h2","numbering":"asc","mode":"normal","first":"0","enable_toc":"0","toc_type":"normal"}]},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[51,55,57,60],"ppma_author":[66],"class_list":["post-81","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-climate-change","tag-event","tag-jt-610-crash","tag-post-script"],"authors":[{"term_id":66,"user_id":1,"is_guest":0,"slug":null,"display_name":"admin","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/news6.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/news6.jpg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=81"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions\/1000"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=81"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=81"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=81"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fppma_author&post=81"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}