Dr. Sinem Cengiz
Historically, there have been periods when Turkiye and the Arab states were unable to harmonize their strategies and interests in the region. Political differences often overshadowed potential cooperation, and at times the Arab alliance failed to align with Turkiye’s regional interests. There were also rare moments when Turkish-Arab cooperation proved to be effective and mutually beneficial. However, it appears that a new Arab alliance is emerging in the region among the historic capitals of Damascus, Baghdad, and Beirut. In a parallel shift, Turkish-Arab cooperation is achieving significant momentum with a harmony that serves mutual interests.
The collapse of the Assad regime significantly influenced Syria’s position within the Arab world. Coinciding with this shift, Lebanon has entered a new phase, with the election of a new president and the appointment of a prime minister after a two-year political deadlock. Meanwhile, Iraq, for the first time in years, has been positioning itself as a regional actor, not only mediating disputes but also facilitating economic cooperation.
One common factor in the reemergence of these three countries in the Arab world order is the diminishing influence of Iran, which is particularly favorable for Ankara. Despite Ankara’s ability to compartmentalize its relations with Tehran, Turkiye has been among the regional countries most uncomfortable with Iranian proxies in the region, especially in Iraq and beyond. Therefore, a region free from Iranian control is a strategic win for Turkiye. Moreover, one key element of this era emerging in the region is the intent to integrate Iran through dialogue, not isolation. Thus, containing Iran through diplomacy, not confrontation is an approach that Turkish and Arab perspectives share today.
In Syria, the new government has been building strong political, economic, and defense ties with Ankara, marking a fresh chapter in Turkish-Syrian relations after more than a decade of hostility under the Assad regime. As Syria embarks on an uncertain path toward reintegration into the regional and international fold, there are some similarities with Iraq’s post-Saddam experience. The new Syrian administration is eager to avoid the same instability that Iraq faced after the fall of Saddam, and Turkiye is keen to prevent a repeat of the post-Saddam scenario in Syria.
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