In an intensifying diplomatic standoff over the future of northern Syria, Turkey has ramped up efforts to rally international support for military action against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), seeking to dismantle its political and military structures. However, these efforts have met firm resistance from Western powers, with both France and the United States categorically rejecting Ankara's demands.
According to Zeynep Boran, reporting for pro-Kurdish Özgür Politika, Turkey has engaged in intensive diplomatic meetings with delegations from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia throughout early December 2025. Ankara's primary objective has been to pressure international partners into forcing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm and integrate into the institutions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which now controls Damascus. The Turkish delegation specifically requested that France apply direct pressure on the SDF, a demand Paris flatly refused.
The diplomatic tensions emerge as the first anniversary of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's (formerly known as al-Jolani) seizure of power in Damascus approaches, and with only three months remaining before the deadline for implementing the March 10 agreement. Negotiations between HTS and the Autonomous Administration have reportedly stalled, while jihadist factions within HTS continue issuing open threats against Kurdish-led territories.
During the meetings, Turkey characterized the Autonomous Administration's activities as "direct threats to Turkish national security" and framed Western support for the region as an "attack on Syrian territorial integrity." Turkish representatives argued that European and American backing enables the PKK to establish a secure corridor between northern Iraq and Syria.
British and French delegations, however, presented a markedly different perspective. Sources indicate that both delegations emphasized that Syrian Kurds seek neither separation nor independence, but rather integration within a unified Syria under a decentralized or federal model. They stressed that Kurdish political, security, cultural, and economic rights must be guaranteed, with fair representation in governing institutions.
The United States delivered the clearest message, with the American delegation firmly rejecting any attack on AANES-controlled territories. Washington maintains that large-scale military conflict would enable an ISIS resurgence and undermine security gains achieved over recent years. US officials reportedly emphasized that the SDF remains an "indispensable partner" and that regional stability is a cornerstone of American strategy.
Russia has adopted a cautious balancing act, maintaining open communication channels with all parties. Moscow has signaled that any military offensive could directly conflict with Russian interests and destabilize Syria, potentially reviving extremist organizations.
An unexpected development emerged when Russian sources revealed that an Israeli security delegation had informed Moscow of plans to establish permanent bases in southern Syria to counter Turkish influence—highlighting the complex web of competing interests.
The fundamental dispute extends beyond security and resources to the very identity of Syria's future state. While HTS pushes to reimpose centralized governance, the Autonomous Administration advocates for a decentralized model reflecting Syria's diverse population.
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