Turkey And Israel Reshape Syria From Borderlands Amid Tensions Rising

Dec. 22, 2024, 1:12 pm ET

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30-Second Take

  • Turkey and Israel emerge as dominant forces reshaping post-Assad Syria
  • Growing tensions between regional powers threaten stability
  • Both nations expanding influence through military action and proxy groups

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Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The collapse of Syria’s 54-year Assad dynasty has created a power vacuum, with Turkey and Israel moving aggressively to shape the region’s future, as seen in the analysis provided by thevidentis.com. Their competing interests have transformed Syria’s borderlands into a new geopolitical battleground.

Core Players

  • Turkey’s Military Command – Controlling northern Syria operations
  • Israeli Defense Forces – Conducting strategic bombing campaigns
  • Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – Turkish-backed Islamist group
  • Kurdish Forces – Seeking alliances amid power shift

Key Numbers

  • 15% – Syrian territory under Turkish-backed control
  • 57 years – Duration of Israeli control over Golan Heights (since 1967)
  • 8 years – Length of Turkish military presence in Syria (since 2016)
  • 300+ – Recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian targets

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Full Depth

The Catalyst

Assad’s fall marks the end of a decades-long power structure, creating an unprecedented opportunity for regional powers to reshape Syria’s political landscape, a situation closely monitored by the White House.

Inside Forces

Turkey has established a significant military presence while backing various rebel groups, particularly in northern Syria. Israel continues strategic bombing campaigns targeting military installations and perceived threats, as part of its broader strategy in Syria’s new reality.

Power Dynamics

Turkey seeks to expand influence through proxy forces and direct military presence, while Israel focuses on security concerns and containing Islamist groups.

Outside Impact

Regional stability hangs in balance as Turkey and Israel’s confrontational postures threaten to draw in other powers. Arab states watch cautiously as the balance of power shifts.

Future Forces

Key developments to watch:

  • Potential direct confrontation between Turkish and Israeli forces
  • Evolution of Kurdish alliances
  • Impact on regional security architecture
  • Response from other regional powers

Data Points

  • 2024: Collapse of Assad regime
  • 2016-2024: Timeline of Turkish military expansion
  • 1967-Present: Israeli control of Golan Heights
  • 15%: Current Turkish-controlled territory

As Syria enters a new era, the actions of Turkey and Israel will significantly influence regional stability and the future of the Middle East power balance.