Ankara Seeks to Legitimize "Jolani" in Syria.. Under Diplomatic Cover

Ankara Seeks to Legitimize "Jolani" in Syria.. Under Diplomatic Cover
Fidan's statements reveal Turkish double standards in dealing with terrorism, as yesterday's terrorist has become today's legitimate partner
December 19, 2024, 10:20 pm

هاكان فيدان

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan sparked suspicion with his controversial call to remove Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from terrorism lists, in an obvious attempt to legitimize Abu Mohammad al-Jolani's rule.

In his statements to Al Jazeera English, Fidan showed glaring contradiction in Turkish policy, announcing Ankara's recognition of an internationally classified terrorist organization as a "legitimate" partner, ignoring its bloody record in Syria.

The move to reopen the Turkish embassy in Damascus revealed Ankara's efforts to market the organization, exploiting some international officials' communication with the new administration.

The Turkish minister tried to justify his country's contradictory position by referring to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's acknowledgment of contacts with HTS, ignoring that Washington still classifies it as a terrorist organization.

Fidan evasively rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's accusations about the "Turkish takeover" of Syria, attempting to cover up Ankara's role in supporting extremist organizations.

Turkey's supportive position of HTS contradicts its claims of fighting terrorism, especially while continuing to describe Kurdish forces as terrorist despite their role in fighting ISIS.

Experts view Fidan's demand to stop U.S. support for Kurds as revealing Turkish double standards, granting legitimacy to a terrorist organization while attacking forces that fought extremism.

Turkey's attempts to whitewash HTS raise fears of repeating the Taliban scenario in Afghanistan, where an extremist organization is enabled to take control of governance.

Observers warn of the danger of Turkish efforts to legitimize extremist organizations, confirming this approach threatens regional stability and undermines international counter-terrorism efforts.

Fidan's statements reflect a dangerous Turkish strategy aimed at turning Syria into a sphere of influence through supporting extremist organizations, ignoring the security and humanitarian risks of this policy.

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