U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that Turkey will "hold the key" to what happens in Syria, where rebels backed by Ankara toppled the government of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
In an article published by Reuters on December 16, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized Turkey's pivotal role in shaping Syria's future during an interview. Trump highlighted Turkey's strategic importance due to its geographical proximity to Syria, its NATO membership, and its influence over regional politics. He suggested that any solution to the ongoing Syrian conflict would require Turkey's cooperation, particularly in managing the Kurdish forces in northern Syria, which Turkey views as a security threat. Trump also touched upon the need for a balanced approach to ensure stability in the region, mentioning the potential for Turkey to act as a mediator between various factions, including the Syrian government, opposition groups, and international stakeholders. He stressed the importance of a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship to facilitate peace negotiations and reconstruction efforts in post-conflict Syria.