Breaking: Syrian rebels reach Homs as Erdogan hints at major power shift
Turkish leader points to dramatic changes in Syria as opposition forces make unexpected advances. Recent developments show significant shifts in regional power-balance while rebels approach Damascus
In a game-changing development Syrian rebels have pushed into Homs suburbs‚ creating a direct route to Damascus as Bashar al-Assadʼs quarter-century grip on power starts showing cracks
There is now a new reality in Syria‚ politically and diplomatically; Syria belongs to Syrians with all its ethnic‚ sectarian and religious elements
The Turkish president made these remarks on Dec-7 while rebel forces (whoʼve been backed by Ankara for years) made unexpected progress toward the capital. Its worth noting that Assadʼs government forces are now fighting to maintain control theyve held since early 2000s
Turkey which has consistently supported Syrian opposition groups against the Russia-Iran backed regime wants peace for its neighbor that has seen conflict for about 13 years. However Ankaras main worry remains the YPG militia in northern Syria — a group they consider linked to militants whove fought against Turkey since mid-1980s
The situation needs attention from:
- International organizations
- Regional actors
- Diplomatic partners
- Neighboring countries
Erdogan emphasized that Syrians must decide their countrys future pointing to the need for preserving territorial wholeness while addressing various ethnic-religious groups concerns in the region
