To displace the Palestinian people from it and to turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East”, it is neither human, nor fair, nor legal. And cannot be perceived as simple rhetoric ‘, Former Ambassador Hakan Okzal, who has served as a Consul General in Komotini (1992-95) and as ambassador to Northern Macedonia, stresses in the step, while now teaching diplomacy at the School of Political Science at the University of Marmara.
“The Trump Plan serves the ambitions of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for Gaza ethnic cleansing. But it cannot be accepted. Let us not forget that forced expulsion and ethnic cleansing are serious crimes punished in accordance with international law. In addition, let’s not forget that Gaza is a place of crime for which genocide is being investigated by the International Criminal Court. With his proposal, Trump will turn to Netanyahu’s associate in crime! “.
Will the truce in Gaza last?
“I have strong doubts about its viability. Let us not nourish illusions about Netanyahu’s goals. He wants to clean Israel of the Palestinian people and kill the last remnants of hope for the solution of two states. Gambling about his political career. Therefore, I am not optimistic about a constant ceasefire. Netanyahu will do everything to derail the process. “
Will Turkey be able to play a role in Syria?
“The euphoria that broke out in Turkey after the fall of the Assad regime is falling quickly. There is no doubt that Turkey is, along with Israel, among the largest external winners in the inner Syrian dispute. There is, however, a strong sense that Turkey will not be able to get rid of Syrian problems so easily. As a regional power, it does not have the financial means of the West or the Arab world and has few allies in the area.
Therefore, it must act in cooperation with the West and the Arab countries to build future Syria. There may be doubts in the West about Turkey’s intentions about the future of Syria, but the West must accept the fact that Turkey will remain a strong factor in Syria. “
Has Hayat Tahrir al-Sam in the Syrian leadership?
“Although it is trying to present it as a peaceful, reliable and moderate force, it will never be able to get rid of the past of al -Qaeda and ISIS. While moving towards the formation of a national army, we witness the integration of extremist factions into the new military structure, with their leaders taking up high administrative positions. If other parts of the Syrian people, especially minority groups, such as the Alawites, the Droussians and the Christians, are excluded from the army ranks, this will be a source of further friction in the country.
My instinct tells me that although Syria’s new leader Ahmed al -Sarah is presented as a peaceful and united, this does not reflect reality. We are informed by credible Turkish sources about law and order violations, such as attacks by Salafists against Alawites. In addition, criminal gangs are plundered unprotected Christians, Alawites and even secular Sunnis, especially in the country’s rural and coastal areas. If these problems are not addressed and security is not established soon, Syria can easily fall into chaos. “
In your article you ask the rhetorical question “How can the civilized world guide Syria when the situation in Western democracies and the US is what it is?”
“Democracy is unfortunately in decline around the world. In Europe and the US, the far -right and racism are on the rise. The invasion of Congress on January 6, 2021, by Trump supporters, was a heavy blow to the Republic. The West has also lost its moral stature when it supported Israel’s genocidal attacks on innocent Palestinians in Gaza. Hamas’ heinous murders on October 7th cannot forgive Israel’s crime in Gaza, supported by the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and their allies.
On the other hand, I would like my country, Turkey, to be a good model of democratic values and secularization for Syria. But this is not the case. Unfortunately, democratic values and freedom are also in decline in Turkey. “
What are the players who will form the Middle East in 2025?
“Russia and Iran are now out of equation. Important players in the Middle East will be the US, Israel, Turkey and some Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Gulf -Rich Gulf states. China can also become an important player if it wishes.
Although an important player, the European Union cannot have a political influence in the region, because it has little to offer, except for financial support. Even in this field, its influence will be limited, as huge financial assistance to Gaza and Syria is already entering oil -rich countries. If the ceasefire is respected in Gaza, the US will be in a favorable position to promote the process of Abraham’s agreements. “
