- The Syrian government has implemented a significant increase in customs duties on imports from Turkey, raising them by as much as 500 percent, while also eliminating import duties for goods from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Europe.
- Additionally, new visa fees have been introduced, requiring Turkish nationals to pay $150 for entry into Syria, a stark contrast to the visa-free access granted to them during Assad's dictatorship.
- Furthermore, the government has imposed a hidden ban on all Turkmen individuals from occupying important government positions.
- On top of that, the Syrian administration does not prioritize efforts against the PKK.
Well, Türkiye remains committed to supporting Syria; however, there are inherent limitations to our involvement in Damascus. It is important to recall that Assad previously declined to engage in discussions with Türkiye, despite Iran's aggressive attempts to encourage negotiations. The current administration in Syria exhibits an even greater degree of independence from Türkiye. In short, Ankara is not in a position to oversee Syria, and Damascus is not particularly inclined to allow Turkish influence over its future.
They are very eager to retain their autonomy and this scenario could either lead to significant repercussions or ensure that, should there be a change in regime once again, the subsequent leadership will not adopt an anti-Turkish stance akin to the current post-Assad regime's opposition to Iran. Learning from other people's mistakes?
However, TR does not aspire to be Syria's new Iran and does not possess control over the country. While there will be substantial and profound collaboration between Türkiye and Syria, it is clear that no one in Ankara is going to engage in a military conflict against Israel over a Syria that hasn't made up its mind yet.
Iranians are using this as propaganda against Türkiye but what's the alternative from Ankara's perspective? Steamrolling into Syria and annexing the country? Something that a LARGE part of the Turkish society doesn't want.