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Hakan Fidan Determines the Fate of Kurds in Syria... and Ignites Public Opinion Reactions
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Critical comments revealed a state of popular discontent with a foreign official speaking about Syria's internal affairs in a tone that seems to represent actual decision-making authority
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated his country's opposition to establishing any federal formation in Syria, emphasizing that military organizations outside the country's official army would not be allowed. These statements show Ankara's ambition to draw a roadmap for the southern neighbor's future, raising questions about the limits of regional influence.
Fidan indicated that his country "is following the process related to the SDF with great sensitivity," confirming that these forces "will lay down their weapons and join the army."
The Turkish minister highlighted the importance for Ankara of "including Kurds in the Syrian constitution as founding members," adding that his country is coordinating the process related to ISIS with Jordan and other regional countries.
Fidan explained that U.S. President Donald Trump's concern is preventing ISIS from regaining a foothold in Syrian territory. This came during a meeting held at the headquarters of Turkey's ruling "Justice and Development Party," attended by deputies from the eastern, southeastern, and Black Sea regions of the country.
These statements triggered a wave of varied comments on social media platforms, where many commentators criticized what they considered interference in Syrian affairs. One wrote: "He's talking as if he's the High Commissioner for Syria," while another commented: "The High Commissioner of the Turkish occupation and then they talk about sovereignty."
Reactions expressed discontent with this type of statement, with one commentator describing it as if Fidan were "the official spokesperson for the Syrian government," while another wondered: "Shouldn't this talk come from the Syrian state?"
These comments reveal a clear polarization in the position on Turkey's role in the Syrian file, between supporters who see it as an opportunity and critics who consider it interference in the country's affairs.
Several commentators mocked the tone of the discourse, with one writing: "Fidan thinks he's an Ottoman governor of Syria to decide what happens and what doesn't," while another commented: "Hakan Fidan speaks on behalf of Syria more than Syrians."
The opposing positions toward Turkish statements reveal the depth of the political crisis and the complexities of the current Syrian scene, amid the intertwining of regional and international interests.
