In a significant diplomatic move, on March 25, 2025, Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan arrived in Washington, D.C. to engage in critical discussions with U.S. officials regarding the future of Kurdish forces in Syria and to advocate for the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed on Damascus. The negotiations are expected to address various topics that have implications for regional security and humanitarian efforts.
According to sources within the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions will focus on efforts to dismantle the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the People's Self-Defense Units (YPG). These groups operate under the umbrella of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have been pivotal in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and have significant influence in northeastern Syria.
The meetings will also delve into the complexities of combatting ISIS and ensuring security within various Syrian camps where captured ISIS militants and their families are held. The current international efforts to manage these camps have raised concerns about the potential resurgence of ISIS, underscoring the urgency of the talks.
Fidan’s trip follows his earlier meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month, where the Turkish minister initially broached the issues that would be revisited during this visit. He is expected to assert the necessity of easing sanctions on Syria, which have remained in place despite international calls for reconsideration. The U.S. sanctions were originally enacted as a response to persistent human rights abuses by the Syrian government.
Despite the ongoing economic restrictions, Turkey is keen on fostering a more collaborative approach between Ankara and Washington regarding Syrian affairs. Fidan will likely underscore the importance of humanitarian aid and post-conflict reconstruction as essential components of any peace-building efforts. This aspect of the talks reflects Turkey’s broader strategic interests in the region and the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations.
The current geopolitical landscape in Syria, coupled with the multifaceted issues concerning Kurdish forces and ISIS, places considerable pressure on both the Turkish and U.S. administrations to find a workable resolution. The outcome of Fidan's discussions could have far-reaching implications, not just for Syria but for broader regional stability and U.S.-Turkey relations.
In summary, Hakan Fidan's diplomatic mission to Washington is a critical step in navigating the intricate web of politics surrounding Syria, Kurdish military forces, and the ongoing fight against terrorism. As talks progress, the international community will be watching closely to see if new avenues for cooperation will emerge from these negotiations.
