Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan are set to join forces to tackle the remnants of the Islamic State group, marking a significant shift in regional alliances and counter-terrorism strategies. The announcement came from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a recent news conference held in Doha, Qatar, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The collaboration aims to consolidate efforts to combat ISIS, which has persisted as the group struggles with reformation and scattered factions following its territorial losses. Fidan remarked on the need for these neighboring countries to unite, saying, "Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan need to come together to fight Daesh. We are capable of doing this..." This statement reflects both the urgency of the situation and Turkey’s desire to take the lead in countering ISIS remnants.
For years, Washington has maintained strong ties with Kurdish-led forces, particularly the People’s Defense Units, or YPG. These forces have been instrumental in the fight against ISIS, often working alongside American forces. Yet, Turkey has long opposed this relationship, claiming the YPG is linked to the PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist group by Ankara, the U.S., and the European Union.
Fidan has been vocal about these concerns, highlighting the YPG's role as guardians of thousands of ISIS prisoners held in northeast Syria. He stated, "The basic problem is the YPG has been guarding Daesh inmates and keeping them in prison … they’re not doing anything else." This indicates Turkey’s frustration with what it perceives as the U.S. neglecting to address the true aims of these affiliated Kurdish groups.
This complex geopolitical backdrop adds layers to the motivation behind the announcement of cooperation among Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. The new Syrian government has signified its readiness to take responsibility for interned ISIS fighters, which may alleviate concerns Turkey has over the YPG's continued influence.
Fidan's appeal goes beyond mere strategy; it has political ramifications as well. He expressed hope for U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider support for the Kirkuk fighters, lamenting, "We hope President Trump will make the right decision and right this wrong … it is an open wound…" This statement resonates strongly for many observers, as tensions reach fever pitch over the Kurdish issue.
The involvement of the U.S. military remains contentious. Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Northeast Syria to help combat ISIS's resurgence. The collaboration, if successful, could facilitate the U.S. cutting some ties with the YPG and allow for more coordinated regional action against ISIS.
Compounding these talks, Turkish military operations highlight Ankara's commitment to eliminating perceived threats along its borders. Recently, Turkish Defense Ministry reports indicate the killing of 23 individuals labeled as “PKK/YPG terrorists” deepening the entrenched conflict. Such military action signals Turkey's intent to maintain pressure on Kurdish forces, who they believe pose threats not only to Turkish security but also to regional stability.
While the formation of this coalition signals potential changes on the ground, it remains to be seen how effectively these countries can counteract ISIS's remnants. The dynamic between the U.S. commitments and local factions will significantly influence the outcomes of these unifications.
Each of these developments serves to reshape the Middle Eastern geopolitical chessboard, with Turkey positioned as both guardian and aggressor amid the much larger struggle against extremism. The stakes are high, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of decade-long conflicts.
There is, undoubtedly, considerable hope pinned on this coalition's success. Nations united by the common aim of eradicifying the remnants of ISIS also face the challenge of historical grievances and mutual suspicion. Nevertheless, the prospect of overcoming these hurdles could mark the beginning of a renewed approach to stability across these four nations.
Whether this new alignment can effectively suppress ISIS's re-emergence remains to be seen, as the underlying issues continue to provoke tensions. Regional players are tasked not just with combatting immediate threats but also with fostering long-term relations capable of managing the complexity of this longstanding conflict.