Al-Sharaa's visit to Turkey: test of influence between Ankara- Riyadh in post-sanctions Syria

Damascus Authority President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Turkey today on an unannounced visit, his third since assuming office, at a critical time that coincides with rapid regional transformations following Washington's decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

The visit comes amid a growing competition between Saudi Arabia and Turkey for influence in the country, as Ankara seeks to strengthen its traditional role, while Riyadh works to consolidate its presence with US support, taking advantage of Iran's declining influence in the Syrian arena.

The visit comes just days before an unannounced meeting between Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and officials in Damascus, indicating Ankara's attempt to reopen channels of communication with al-Sharaa. However, the timing of al-Sharaa's visit to Istanbul coincided with decisive Gulf steps, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar paying Syria's arrears to the World Bank and an Emirati pledge to support reconstruction efforts. This was seen as a gradual shift of political and financial influence toward Gulf capitals.

Although Turkey has been a major player in the Syrian file for a decade, the pace of Gulf engagement with Damascus and the accelerating political normalization have reduced Turkey's room for maneuver and imposed a new reality that may force Ankara to redefine its relationship with Syria.

T/S
ANHA