Maximizing Political Leverage in Syria - Towards a More Sustainable Strategy

One of Turkey’s main national security and foreign policy challenges comes with a formidable opportunity. Turkey’s operation zones in northern Syria, namely, Peace Spring, Olive Branch, Euphrates Shield and most recently preventing regime advancement in southern Idlib, have established de facto Turkish control but with little realized potential.  carry a potential beyond leveraging a short-term negotiating position, but rather as a long term investment. By focusing on security, governance and economic stability of these zones Turkey can enhance its negotiating position with key international players for a sustainable political transition in Syria that can change the face of the region. This can start by immediately centralizing the coordination of governance and security of the three operation areas (as opposed to leaving them in the control of adjacent states), in addition to allowing for capacity building of local governance, security infrastructure, and economic integration and development. Dealing seriously with these zones by Turksih decision makers will not only enhance Turkey’s national security position but will cement it as the main player in a sustainable Syrian peace deal internationally.

The aim of this meeting is to bring together relevant researchers and experts to evaluate the crisis in Syria and its management policies, and to discuss political, security and economic projections for the future of the region. The meeting was organized with the participation of decision-makers from various levels of the bureaucracy, academics and political actors working on this issue.