U.S.-Turkey Relationship and Syrian Crisis

Abstract

The Syrian crisis is an amalgamation of strategic struggle for power and influence in the Middle East and the internal and external factors which are based on ethnic lines. Some are supporting the Assad regime, while as some are against it. The Syrian crisis has now transformed from a domestic or regional issue to a global security issue. The removal of Assad is a central step for both the Syrian people as well as the anti-Assad comp. However, after three years of fighting, the situation seems to be complex and without any possible outcome. In addition, the presence of extremists (ISIS) and a strong Iranian and Russian support for the regime, the Syrian crisis is jeopardizing the interests of both U.S. and Turkey. Both U.S. and Turkey have numerous national security interests at stake in Syria. However, the interests of both the countries do not perfectly match with each other. Turkey is unhappy about U.S’s unwillingness to help the opposition to topple the Assad regime. Different priorities in the conflict have strained the bilateral relations. The aim of this paper is to analyse the U.S-Turkey relations in the light of recent Syrian crisis. An attempt will be made to highlight the issues which strain the bilateral relationship. This paper will highlight the divergent and convergent points in U.S-Turkey relations. This paper will also focus on U.S and Turkish policies vis-a-vis Syria. The policies of both the countries will be critically evaluated.