Turkey’s Agenda in Damascus: A closer look

With the historic appeal made by leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, 2025, under the title "The Call for Peace and a Democratic Society," hopes for resolving the region's crises have grown significantly.

 The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and subsequently the People's Defense Forces (HPG) affirmed their commitment to acting in accordance with this call and announced a ceasefire. Governments, political parties, organizations, and civil society groups also expressed their support for this initiative.

 Hopes for Syria Amid Concerns Over Turkish Attacks

 Among the regions where hopes for a solution have increased is northern and eastern Syria, as well as the country as a whole. This area has endured over 14 years of war, destruction, massacres, and occupation.

 Nevertheless, the Turkish state and its affiliated armed groups continue to carry out attacks. Despite the fall of the Ba'ath regime on December 8, 2024, the assaults have persisted. Since then, violent attacks have continued in areas such as Tell Tamr, Qaraqozak, and other parts of northern and eastern Syria, with thousands of airstrikes and artillery bombardments resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

 Resistance and Efforts for a Solution

 In response to these attacks, the Syrian Democratic Forces have maintained their resistance for over three months, while local communities have endured months of struggle.

 Following Abdullah Ocalan’s call, political and military circles turned their attention to the escalation of Turkish attacks rather than their de-escalation.

 The Alawite Massacre

 In addition to the attacks on NE Syria, targeted assaults were carried out against Alawite-majority areas such as Latakia, Tartus, and Homs. Massacres were perpetrated against Alawite civilians, who were bombarded in the streets, subjected to torture, and kidnapped.

 Reports indicate that most of the attackers belonged to armed groups affiliated with the Turkish state. While no official investigation has been conducted, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that more than 1,500 people were killed in these attacks.

 The Agreement Between the SDF and the Damascus Govt and Reactions to It

 Amid these developments, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria intensified its efforts to reach a political and peaceful solution for Syria.

 As part of these efforts, an agreement was signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Damascus authorities on March 10, outlining eight provisions that emphasize resolving disputes through dialogue and joint cooperation.

 This agreement has been positively received by all local and international actors, particularly Arab states, which have expressed their support for it.

 Turkish Concerns and Rapid Moves Toward Damascus

 While the agreement was seen as a positive step for Syria’s future, Turkey reacted with concern and swiftly took action.

 Initially, Turkish officials sought to downplay the significance of the agreement, calling it a "routine agreement." However, at the same time, they began taking military and security measures.

 On March 13, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced plans to deploy military forces to Syria. Yet, on the same day, an unexpected development took place: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın visited Damascus.

 Although the details of their meeting were not disclosed, the visit carried significant implications, particularly from a military and intelligence perspective.

 Hakan Fidan’s Statements

 During his meeting with Damascus authority head Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the Turkish delegation engaged in intense discussions. A day after the visit, Hakan Fidan stated in a televised interview:

 "We are closely monitoring the situation. We hope life will return to normal without further bloodshed and that terrorism will come to an end. However, if disarmament does not occur, we are prepared for all scenarios."

 Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler continued to justify Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria.

 The Barx Botan Massacre

 Just three days after the Turkish visit to Damascus, a massacre took place in Barx Botan.

 Despite ongoing aerial and artillery strikes on areas such as Tell Tamr, Qaraqozak, and their surroundings, a particularly brutal attack occurred on the night of March 17 at 00:40. A drone strike targeted a farm between the villages of Qomji and Barx Botan, south of Kobani, killing seven children and their parents, while two other children sustained severe injuries.

 Given these developments, a pressing question arises: What exactly was Turkey planning in Damascus? And is the war on terrorism merely a pretext?

 a.k

ANHA