White House highlights Türkiye’s importance in Syria, maintains backing for SDF

The White House reiterated on Monday that Türkiye remains a crucial player in Syria’s future, particularly as the country transitions from over five decades of Assad family rule. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized Türkiye’s significant role in the region, noting its influence over the last 14 years.

“There’s no question that the Turks are significant players here in whatever the outcome in Syria is going to be,” Kirby told reporters. “That’s why we continue to have conversations with them at all different levels about what they’re doing, what their concerns are.”

Kirby also highlighted Türkiye’s concerns regarding terrorism along its southern border with Syria, noting that Turkish citizens have been victims of attacks linked to extremist groups. He acknowledged the legitimacy of Türkiye’s security concerns, stating, “You can’t very well blame the Turks for being concerned about that threat.”

Despite recognizing Türkiye’s concerns, the U.S. maintains its support for the SDF, led by YPG, which the U.S. considers a key partner in the ongoing fight against Daesh. Kirby reiterated that the Biden administration would continue prioritizing efforts against the Islamic State while addressing the overlap of interests between the U.S. and Türkiye.

“As there’s a need to deconflict and to work through some of those overlapping concerns, we’ll do that, because Türkiye is, as you rightly said, a NATO ally,” Kirby explained.

However, the partnership between the U.S. and the SDF has strained relations with Ankara. The YPG is the Syrian branch of the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both Türkiye and the U.S. This tension underscores the complicated dynamics in U.S.-Türkiye relations as both countries pursue different goals in Syria’s complex conflict.