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In the past, Turkiye’s relationship with Israel was frequently a major point of contention with Arab countries, primarily Egypt and Syria. Now the growing Israeli threat in the region acts as a crucial source of cooperation between Ankara and the Arab world. As observers of international relations often note, “context matters” since it shapes political and military alliances, as well as rivalries.
The 2010s were crucial years that severely tested Turkiye’s relations with both Egypt and Syria. Mending ties with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s administration and the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria have opened the door for Ankara to improve its relations with both Cairo and Damascus. In this relatively stable climate, Israel emerged as a destabilizer, posing a challenge to the wider regional stability that these states seek.
Israel’s war in Gaza, its attacks in Lebanon and Syria, and its entrenchment is becoming a driving force behind Arab states’ pivot toward closer security ties with Turkiye, thanks to the latter’s burgeoning defense industry and military capabilities.
Although Turkiye’s growing collaboration with Egypt and Syria might say a lot about their bilateral relations, it cannot be separated from the wider regional context. Political cooperation among regional actors alone is not enough anymore, and their economic regional vision is at risk as long as Israel continues destabilizing the region. Turkiye, therefore, aims to move a step forward in its relations with Arab nations through a closer security-oriented cooperation to counter threats arising from Israeli policies.
Since the collapse of the Assad regime, Turkiye has been seeking a comprehensive military cooperation agreement with Damascus. Following clashes in the south of the country, Syria officially requested Ankara’s military support. Recently, the defense ministers of Turkiye and Syria signed a long-expected agreement on military training and consultancy after talks in Ankara.
The deal includes improving the capabilities of the Syrian army, developing its institutions, structure, and reforming the security apparatus comprehensively. It also marks the first formal military cooperation between Ankara and Damascus since the ousting of the regime. Turkiye views this agreement as a necessity for its national security due to the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, both of which are vital for Turkiye’s own security.
Political cooperation among regional actors is not enough.
Dr. Sinem Cengiz
Three key factors collectively shaped Ankara’s approach toward the deal with Damascus. First, potential future clashes in Syria could lead to a new wave of refugees to Turkiye. Second, instability in Syria could embolden the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a faction linked to the PKK, and weaken the possibility of their integration into the Syrian national army. Turkiye sees a unified Syrian army as crucial to regional stability, and this is a main goal of the signed agreement. Third, and most important, Turkiye is wary of Israeli entrenchment in Syria with claims of protecting Druze populations or other groups. All of these factors are capable of jeopardizing Turkiye’s security.
Under this deal, Turkiye aims to train the Syrian regular army. In doing so, there is also the potential for an increased Turkish military presence in Syria. Turkiye already maintains a military force in the north of the country, primarily to counter Kurdish threats. This deal will formalize Turkiye’s role in providing military support and also position it as a key player in combating other groups, such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda — threats the Syrian army is currently too weak to confront effectively.
However, Israel opposes the further deployment of Turkish troops, particularly in the southern part of Syria, as it continues to support Kurdish and Druze demands for autonomy. Turkiye had previously considered deploying its troops to a central Syrian air base, a move aimed at countering Israeli operations and addressing threats from Daesh. But Israeli jets struck the proposed site in April.
Egypt is also increasingly concerned about Israeli entrenchment, as is Damascus. Accordingly, it has looked for a different way of cooperating with Turkiye. According to reports, Egypt is on the verge of joining Turkiye’s strategic project to develop the Kaan stealth fighter jet. This represents a significant step in defense collaboration, and marks a shift from their previously distant and politically tense relationship.
Cairo and Ankara are aware that the regional context is undermining their security interests. They see the need to create a united security front. In this regard, defense cooperation serves as the foundation for a broader collaboration. This will be the first time that the two countries have agreed to elevate their defense-industrial collaboration, which could shift the balance of aerial power in the region. The move comes at a time when Israel has demonstrated its military dominance in the region, with full US backing, while Washington has offered limited military support to Egypt, Syria, and Turkiye.
In this tense regional climate, Turkiye is quietly, but strategically, strengthening its military and defense ties with Arab nations, which have also shifted their focus toward Ankara, recognizing the need for a coordinated security front. In addition to Egypt and Syria, countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon are also deepening their security cooperation with Ankara. The recent meetings and visits say a lot about what is cooking between Ankara and these states. Needless to say, Turkiye stands out as the only non-Arab country in the region capable of providing military collaboration, including training armed forces, offering air defense systems, and facilitating intelligence sharing.
Turkiye shares common threats with the Arab world, meaning all are in the same boat. In the current regional context, the primary threat is Israeli expansionism, and fostering defense collaboration is the wisest strategy in this regard.
• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East.
X: @SinemCngz