"Realized dreams lead to desires: who will make the final decision?

While Ankara awaits the moves of Syria's new leader Ahmad ash-Sha'aran, it also exerts pressure on the PKK's Syrian branch, PYD/YPG, through various means every hour of every day: Damascus urges the Kurdish cantons forming in the northeast to 'bury their weapons,' while Ankara communicates this demand more decisively to terrorists within its borders and in Northern Iraq. Since December 8, when an organization Turkey has supported in northwest Syria took control following the Assad family's escape, Turkey has been swiftly capitalizing on the satisfaction this brings. The speed and accuracy of the steps taken so far confirm this; it is clear that Ankara has been well-prepared for these days for years."

"Besides the symbolic and moral aspect of Ahmad ash-Sha'aran's first foreign visit being to Ankara, Turkey aims to play a leading role in the investments required for Syria's reconstruction: it will put its full strength into ensuring that a country with a positive global reputation in the construction sector takes the forefront in rebuilding another country. As most trade operations with the new Syria will go through Turkey's dry borders, the Erdoğan administration is confident in handling many issues. One of the main reasons for this speed is Turkey's desire to establish a strong position in Syria before the inauguration ceremony of the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, on January 20."

"Due to their fight against the Islamic State terrorist organization, and having good relations with the U.S., PYD/YPG had hoped for support from Washington and Jerusalem. However, Ankara knows that these power centers will not easily withdraw their support from the Syrian Kurds and is using the new government in Damascus to corner them even further. That Turkey's moves would disturb Jerusalem is no secret; hence, it is no coincidence that the Nagel Commission, created by the government to prepare reports related to Israel's military budget, recommends increasing the military budget against the possibility of rising tensions from Turkey. Despite such psychological maneuvers, Jerusalem largely pins its hopes on Trump; borrowing a phrase from the Iranian Azerbaijanis, they say, 'In the sky God, on earth lord Trump.'"

"Considering President Erdoğan's demonstrated determination in Libya in 2019, think tanks in Tel Aviv+Jerusalem might be planning psychological warfare against Turkey, but Ankara continues to move forward without losing its composure. As for financial matters, I can't speak for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but I believe Turkey will have a significant influence on the financial aid and credits Qatar will provide to Syria. Qatar's current administration owes this to the division of soldiers Mr. Erdoğan sent to protect them; in simpler terms, Turkish soldiers are protecting the Qatari monarchy from palace coups."

"Another factor is the Financial Center established in Istanbul by Mr. Erdoğan's initiative, through which the wealthy Gulf countries will open credits to Syria under Turkey's guarantee. When Mr. Erdoğan introduced the idea of the Istanbul Financial Center, he clearly stated that the main goal was 'to transfer money from the Gulf countries to various parts of the world via Istanbul.' If the money sent to Syria will also go through the Istanbul Financial Center, this will strengthen Istanbul's potential to become a financial center after London and New York. And... overlooking this possibility means not closely following Turkish politics and especially not knowing Mr. Erdoğan closely."

"Yes, I admit I was wrong when I wrote that Mr. Erdoğan, who was elected for the third time in the presidential elections held on May 14/28, would not run again. True, I could argue that at the time, Turkey had not yet demonstrated its power in the fall of the Assad family's regime in Syria, and the political conditions necessary for Erdoğan's fourth candidacy were not present. However, these words are worthless because today we see that the state leader, who has been governing Turkey continuously for 22 years, intends to use the change of power in Syria for his fourth candidacy. When the 'process of resolving the Kurdish issue' was reactivated on October 1, political commentators suggested that Mr. Erdoğan would use this process for his fourth candidacy, although I was among those who found it unconvincing at the time."

"However, at that time, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham organization, which is very close to the Turkish government, had not yet set out from Idlib and taken Aleppo on November 27 and Damascus on December 8. Since it was established in Idlib in 2017, Ankara's support for Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham taking control of Syria is also considered a victory by Mr. Erdoğan, therefore he regards running for president for the fourth time as his right. Mr. Erdoğan calculates that with the overthrow of the Assad family's regime, we have been able to put serious pressure on the PKK's Syrian branch, PYD/YPG, and we are making decisive steps to convert this into a 'new friendship-brotherhood process' with the Kurds in Turkey. Characterizing this as a 'historic process,' the Turkish head of state also legally and morally justifies advancing his fourth candidacy. Having realized a matter he has dreamt of for years, he is justified in implementing his plans."

"However... The voters will decide the outcome... Turkey owes its power to this democratic trend, which society has long accepted and will never abandon. First and foremost, however, is the head of state..."