US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the ongoing conflict in Syria. The meeting, held late Thursday at Ankara’s airport, centered on protecting civilians, upholding human rights, and addressing security concerns in the region.
Key Issues Discussed
1. Protection of Civilians and Human Rights
Blinken stressed the importance of safeguarding Syrian civilians amidst ongoing violence. He called for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of minority communities.
“All actors in Syria must take all feasible steps to protect civilians,” Blinken emphasized, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
2. Addressing Turkey’s Security Concerns
Turkey has long expressed security concerns over Kurdish-led forces in Syria. These forces, backed by the US as key allies in the fight against ISIS, are seen by Ankara as linked to the PKK, a Kurdish group it deems a terrorist organization.
Blinken acknowledged Turkey’s “real and clear interests” but cautioned against escalating conflicts. He emphasized the need to ensure the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain integral to preventing ISIS resurgence.
3. The Fight Against ISIS
Blinken reiterated the importance of maintaining the coalition against ISIS, stating, “Ensuring ISIS does not resurface is critical, and the SDF plays a vital role in that mission.”
Syrian Upheaval and Regional Implications
The discussions came in the wake of recent developments in Syria, where the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew President Bashar al-Assad. The US has called for an inclusive process to establish Syria’s next government, ensuring representation of all communities.
Future Implications
Blinken’s meeting with Erdogan underscores the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain: supporting Kurdish-led forces while addressing Turkey’s security concerns. With Blinken’s tenure as Secretary of State ending next month, the emphasis on civilian protection and preventing ISIS resurgence remains a cornerstone of US policy in Syria.
