President of National Intelligence Academy highlights Türkiye’s role in Syria

Türkiye’s National Intelligence Academy President Talha Kose emphasized the country’s security concerns regarding developments in Syria, particularly in relation to terrorist groups, during a speech at the “FOCUS: Syria” program hosted by Anadolu on Tuesday.

Kose highlighted that Türkiye’s geographical proximity to Syria, coupled with its 911-kilometer (566-mile) border, made the ongoing situation in Syria directly impactful to Türkiye’s security and regional stability.

“The political structure that may emerge in Syria also concerns Türkiye,” Kose said, pointing to the PKK/YPG and SDF as the primary concerns for the country. He referred to these groups as a “poison” damaging both Syria’s territorial integrity and Türkiye-Syria relations.

The Syrian conflict, now in its 13th year, stems from dissatisfaction with the Bashar Assad regime’s failure to share power and economic resources, Kose explained. Syrians’ initial demand for greater freedom and prosperity was met with violent repression, sparking a revolution in 2011. However, Kose noted that the movement for democratic reforms lost momentum with the rise of radical groups like Daesh.

Türkiye’s role in combating terrorism

Kose commended Türkiye’s role in combating radicalism, specifically citing its military’s efforts to expel Daeshfrom the region. “The only army that fought Daesh face-to-face is the Turkish army,” Kose stated, highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role in clearing the area of extremist forces and providing space for opposition groups.

A key aspect of achieving long-term political stability in Syria, according to Kose, is the drafting of an inclusive constitution that reflects the country’s diverse population. However, he warned of significant obstacles, noting the potential for local and international spoilers to derail reconciliation efforts. “This will not be solved overnight; it will be a difficult process,” he added.

Kose also praised Türkiye’s support for the Syrian opposition and its role in the Astana peace process, which facilitated the creation of de-escalation zones, particularly in Idlib. “Türkiye has also created an environment where the opposition can breathe,” he said. He stressed that international contributions would be essential for Syria’s recovery, noting the significant effort required to rebuild the country after years of civil war.

In a broader reflection on the challenges ahead, Kose stated, “Even if everything were perfect, other tensions or regional disputes that might arise in the area could also hinder this process. Therefore, a difficult process awaits us. A difficult process awaits Syria. But we need to remain hopeful.”

The event was attended by various international diplomats, including Russia’s Ambassador to Türkiye Aleksey Yerhov and Colombia’s Ambassador Julio Anibal Riano. Anadolu President and CEO Serdar Karagoz also spoke at the event, emphasizing the agency’s role in covering conflict zones, including Syria, and its commitment to offering comprehensive news coverage globally.