What is the U.S. After in Syria?

Debating what the United States wants in Syria might seem futile, as the question lacks a clear answer. This is primarily because, for some time now, the U.S.’s de facto policy in Syria—shaped by what it doesn’t want—has failed to evolve into a comprehensive strategy.

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What is the U S After in Syria
Shifting power dynamics in Syria Assad regime and allies face

Shifting power dynamics in Syria: Assad regime and allies face major setbacks

The Middle Eastern developments continue to set the agenda of international politics. The Al-Aqsa Flood has become a turning point for the whole region. The ongoing genocide in Gaza against the Palestinian people and the Israeli aggression against the sovereignty of regional countries, directly and indirectly, influence all regional dynamics. Israel’s attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian proxies in Syria have dramatically changed the Syrian context as well. As a result of the shifted regional balance of power, the opposition forces, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army (SNA), initiated a military operation against Syria's Bashar Assad regime on Nov. 27.

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Türkiye’s extended hand for normalization represented an opportunity for the Bashar Assad regime. Starting in the early months of 2023, Türkiye demonstrated its determination on this issue. Ensuring territorial integrity, clearing terrorism, enabling the return of refugees and ultimately establishing an inclusive and stable administration in Syria – without excluding the regime – offered Assad a viable way out.

The Trump era hinges on both U.S. and global actions, demanding a more cooperative foreign policy

Trump's sweeping re-election victory exposes the Democrats' missteps on foreign policy, immigration and voter engagement

Arab states, disillusioned by U.S. policies and support for Israel, are shifting alliances and diversifying relations

Vision and Strategy in Türkiye's Fight against Terrorism and PKK’s Response

Amid intense political discourse and debates on terrorism, it’s essential to reevaluate Türkiye’s approach to its fight against terrorism and terrorist threats. Such a review could help refine the current vision, address any gaps, and correct missteps to improve both efficiency and effectiveness. Recognizing that combating terrorism is a dynamic process, regular updates to vision and strategy are natural. However, updating should never imply compromising on resilience.

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Vision and Strategy in Türkiye's Fight against Terrorism and PKK
Geopolitical tensions Middle East in global rivalry

Geopolitical tensions: Middle East in global rivalry

With the full and unconditional support of the United States and Western European countries, the Israeli government has been attacking Middle Eastern countries and committing genocide against Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. The first step of Israel’s expansionist policies in the Middle East has been the increased occupation of Palestinian lands.

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The latest agreement between Türkiye and Somalia reflects the upgrade of already strategic bilateral relations while demonstrating increasingly robust Turkish naval capabilities and expanding naval activism. The "Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement" signed between Türkiye and Somalia on Feb. 8, 2024, was approved shortly after by the Somali Parliament and subsequently by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). In March 2024, the “Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the Field of Oil and Natural Gas” and the “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Onshore and Offshore Blocks in Somalia” were signed. The Oruç Reis seismic research vessel, which embarked on its first intercontinental mission, set sail on Oct. 5 as part of the oil and gas exploration agreement signed between Türkiye and Somalia in March.

Russia wouldn't want to lose face in Tehran despite having bowed to Israeli pressures to limit their support for Bashar Assad and Hezbollah. Willing to do anything to weaken the Assad regime and Iran, Israel openly supports a federal solution.

Hezbollah will face its real crisis when it completes its transformation from a respected regional actor to a lonely actor.