1 in 8 Christians Worldwide Persecuted ‘Because of Faith in Jesus’
2025-01-13 00:00- Turkey has actively supported the opposition against Bashar Assad, culminating in HTS's rise to power in Syria.
- HTS has rejected secular government but claims to protect religious minorities, despite historical hostility toward Christians.
- The international community needs to monitor Turkey's actions, as they may lead to increased persecution of Christians in Syria.
Express your sentiment!
Insights
Turkey's involvement in the Syrian Civil War, specifically under Islamist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has raised significant concerns for Christian communities in Syria. In December, the al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged victorious in the war, which led to dictator Bashar Assad's escape, largely due to the support from the Turkish government. This new Islamist regime poses risks as it has rejected secular governance, even though it has pledged to protect ethnic and religious minorities. Observers fear that Erdogan's ambitions may lead to increased marginalization and persecution of Christians in the region, particularly aligning with historically hostile Islamist factions. The situation requires vigilant international oversight to safeguard the rights of Christians and prevent further persecution. Moreover, Turkey's strategy in Syria is not only politically motivated but also reflects Erdogan's broader ambitions of enhancing Turkey's regional influence, which may compromise minority rights. Erdogan's neo-Ottoman vision instills fear among Christian populations, emphasizing the need for global attention to this emerging crisis. As external influences and political dynamics evolve, it becomes crucial to monitor the interaction between Turkey, HTS, and other Islamist groups, given their potential threat to vulnerable communities like Syrian Christians, who have historically faced various forms of oppression based on political shifts and foreign interventions. Without strategic and proactive measures from the international community, these groups may promote an environment where Christians feel increasingly endangered and unsupported in their own homeland.
Contexts
Turkey has played a significant and multifaceted role in the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011 as part of the broader wave of Arab Spring protests. Initially, Turkey's approach under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government was to support the opposition groups fighting against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. This alignment was based on Turkey's historical ties with various Syrian opposition factions and a broader strategic aim of promoting stability in the region while countering the influence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the People's Protection Units (YPG). The Syrian conflict presented Turkey with a complex set of challenges, particularly pertaining to national security, refugee influx, and its foreign policy objectives in the Middle East. As the conflict escalated, Turkey became increasingly involved in military operations within Syria. The country conducted several cross-border operations aimed at clearing the border of what it perceived as terrorist threats, specifically targeting the YPG, which it views as an extension of the PKK. Notable operations include "Euphrates Shield" in 2016, "Olive Branch" in 2018, and "Peace Spring" in 2019. These operations allowed Turkey to establish a buffer zone along its southern border while also providing support to various Syrian rebel groups that aligned with its strategic interests. This military engagement has been controversial, attracting criticism from various international actors for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining Syria's territorial integrity. In addition to its military incursions, Turkey has assumed a significant role in managing the refugee crisis resulting from the war. Approximately 3.6 million Syrian refugees have settled in Turkey, making it the country with the largest refugee population in the world. Turkish policies regarding these refugees have evolved, revealing tensions between humanitarian considerations and domestic political pressures. The government has faced challenges in integrating these large populations while dealing with rising nationalist sentiments that oppose the continued presence of refugees in the country. This demographic shift poses significant social, economic, and political implications for Turkey, influencing electoral dynamics and public policy. Despite its proactive role in the conflict, Turkey's position remains complicated by the shifting alliances and geopolitical dynamics in the region. The rise of the YPG as a significant actor in northern Syria has drawn support from the United States, creating friction between Ankara and Washington. Moreover, the reassertion of Russian influence in Syria has further complicated Turkey's strategy. Its involvement in negotiations through the Astana process, alongside Russia and Iran, indicates Turkey's willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts while also solidifying its presence in the Syrian theater. Turkey's actions throughout the Syrian Civil War reflect its broader strategic interests in maintaining national security, addressing refugee flows, and navigating a complex web of regional alliances.
