Hussein Omar: Washington supported Turkey with its intervention in Syria… and Erdogan’s turn towards the West is the reason for their silence about what he is doing in the country
Observers and political circles considered that "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's transformation" after his victory in the presidential elections in Turkey, and Ankara's return to its previous position in dealing with Western countries, were among the important reasons for changing the American position. The President, the Joe Biden administration, towards Türkiye.
In an interview with writer and political researcher Hussein Omar, the “Ugarit Post” news network raised questions related to the change in the American position and how it might affect the relationship with Qamishli.
How do you assess the new American statements about Afrin, and the Turkish plan to return the Syrian refugees to these areas?
I do not think that these statements are strange because the American position depends primarily on the movements of its main ally Turkey in the region, and therefore the American policy in the region is based primarily on the possibility of Turkish support and the unity of the position on all issues.
If there are some differences in the views of the two sides or the policy of the two parties towards regional issues, the US administration considers it a healthy condition and does not mean that Turkey will oppose or stand against US interests in the region.
This American statement regarding Afrin is linked to Erdogan’s turn to the West after the elections and a return to Turkey’s correct position in relation to America in the regional equation.
How can the new American statements affect the relationship with the Autonomous Administration, and do you consider this position as a result of the SDF’s refusal to participate in the war against Iran in Deir Ezzor (there are those who believe that). Or is it for other considerations?
In my opinion, the Autonomous Administration should draw up a new policy away from America, as the latter does not recognize it or help it, but rather helps the SDF because it is fighting ISIS, and I do not think that the situation is related to the SDF’s refusal to fight Iran, but rather it is related to Erdogan’s rotation in his position towards the West.
How can Turkey exploit the new American position, and how do you assess the Russian and Syrian position on what is happening in Afrin?
Yes, of course, you take advantage of the American position. The US administration’s position on Turkish politics changed with Erdogan directing his direction towards the West and America.
That is why Erdogan will start presenting his old plan for northeastern Syria, in agreement with America.
I’m not saying the plan will work. I am united on Erdogan’s plan in light of this change in the US position. Of course there is Russia and Iran. They do not want Erdogan to achieve his plans without fully agreeing with them.
Regarding the position of Damascus, it is a clear position in my opinion regarding the demographic change taking place as well as the Turkish occupation, but the Russian position is still not completely clear, but I think after the meeting that will take place between Erdogan and Putin, there will be more clarity, because Erdogan is heading towards the West, which is what It will push Russia to change its position on the Turkish occupation, and we must remember that Russia is the main reason for this occupation.
