Turkey's actions in Syria, driven by geopolitical ambitions and ideological motives, present a growing threat not only to the Kurdish population but also to regional stability and the interests of countries like Israel, Greece, and beyond. Collaborating closely with Qatar, Turkey is shaping the Syrian political map to align with the strategies of the Muslim Brotherhood and its own neo-Ottoman aspirations.

Geopolitical Goals and Military Power

Turkey is leveraging its military strength and geopolitical position to target the Kurdish population in West Kurdistan (Rojava). This effort aims to secure access to vital energy resources in the Mediterranean and Red Seas through Syrian territory. By doing so, Turkey seeks to expand its political influence and revive neo-Ottoman aspirations, with Qatar's substantial oil and gas revenues bolstering this agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman vision involves reclaiming influence over territories that once belonged to the Ottoman Empire before World War I. For Erdogan, the Kurdish people—with their aspirations for autonomy—represent a significant obstacle to this goal. Turkey’s military operations in Syria, framed as anti-terrorist campaigns, have been widely criticized as acts of aggression aimed at suppressing Kurdish self-determination and altering the region’s demographic balance.

Implications for Regional Security

Turkey's actions are a direct threat to Israel's security and existence. The expansionist policies also endanger Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, creating a volatile environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The potential for conflict and instability is heightened as Turkey pursues its hegemonic goals.

Specific Regional Threats

1. Israel: Turkey’s expanding influence and collaboration with Islamist movements threaten Israel’s security. Ankara’s hostility towards Kurdish autonomy undermines the regional balance, which could destabilize the broader Middle East.
2. Greece and Cyprus: Turkey’s aggressive posture in the Eastern Mediterranean, including disputes over maritime boundaries and energy exploration, puts it at odds with Greece and Cyprus. This heightens tensions within the European Union and NATO.
3. Egypt and Saudi Arabia: Erdogan’s alignment with Qatar and support for the Muslim Brotherhood clash with the interests of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, both of which view the Brotherhood as a threat to their regimes and regional order.

Kurds: The Key to Regional Balance, Peace, and Development

In this volatile context, Western countries, particularly Israel and Greece, should prioritize political and comprehensive support for the Kurdish people’s right to self-determination. Establishing an independent Kurdistan with political sovereignty would:

• Balance Regional Power: An independent Kurdish state could serve as a counterweight to Turkey’s expansionist ambitions and provide stability in a fractured region.
• Protect Israel’s Security: Kurdish autonomy aligns with the interests of Israel, creating a potential ally in an increasingly hostile environment.
• Advance Western Interests: Supporting Kurdish independence would strengthen ties with a reliable partner and demonstrate a commitment to democratic values, human rights, and regional stability.

Turkey’s strategy in Syria—marked by military aggression, ideological expansionism, and disregard for international norms—poses a direct challenge to peace and security in the Middle East. As Ankara pursues its neo-Ottoman dreams, the Kurdish people bear the brunt of its ambitions, while countries like Israel, Greece, and others face escalating threats. Recognizing and supporting the Kurdish right to self-determination is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for safeguarding regional stability and the interests of the global community.