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Syria: Maritime Borders or Turkish Interests? Where is Syria headed?

Recently, discussions have resurfaced regarding Turkey's efforts to define maritime borders with Syria, a move that comes at a time when Syria lacks a legitimate elected government and a stable constitution that delineates the powers authorized to enter into international agreements. These efforts raise questions about their timing and objectives, especially since such agreements pertain to national sovereignty and the future of natural resources in the region. It is natural for resources to be at the heart of conflicts during times of strife, and it seems that Turkey, which shares a long land border and strategic interests with Syria, seeks to take advantage of the current situation to solidify its presence in the Mediterranean. Numerous reports indicate the existence of vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath the seabed, specifically near the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, resources that could change the economic equation in the region. Discussions over the past years have involved secret talks among Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Greece regarding the sharing of these marine resources. These talks, which did not lead to a final agreement, almost sparked a new conflict between Turkey and Greece in 2020. The Mediterranean, with its resources, remains a theater of regional and international competition.
Amid the ongoing Syrian political vacuum, which has become an opportunity with the absence of a legitimate Syrian government and a stable constitution, Turkey finds itself in a favorable position to negotiate agreements that could grant it control over a portion of the Syrian maritime resources. However, this move raises ethical and legal questions:
Can a temporary or weak government enter into agreements that affect the country’s future?
What if a new Syrian government comes to power that is not loyal to Ankara?
It is evident that Turkey is aiming to secure its gains in the current situation, as it may face greater challenges if the political balances in Syria change in the future. The regional struggle for Mediterranean resources is not a new phenomenon. In the last decade, it has evolved into a complex arena of political and economic conflicts among regional countries. While Turkey seeks to assert its influence, countries like Greece, Egypt, and Israel insist on protecting their maritime rights according to international law.
Based on the above, I believe that Turkey's maneuvers may be an attempt to strengthen its position before any political or constitutional settlement in Syria, but this approach carries significant risks. It may lead to new regional disputes and provoke international reactions, especially from countries that have economic and political interests in the Mediterranean.
In conclusion, there is a national question: the interests of Syria or the interests of others?
While the race for interests surrounding the delineation of maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean is merely a new episode in the series of geopolitical disputes plaguing the region, with every step taken by Turkey, Israel, and other countries in this direction, the urgent need for Syria to regain its full sovereignty through a legitimate government and a strong constitution that guarantees the rights of the Syrian society and its resources becomes clearer. The question remains: Will Syria be able to protect its resources in the face of regional ambitions? Or will the political vacuum continue to provide opportunities for the imposition of others' interests?
By: Political Opponent Ahmad Mansour
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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