The Duran Podcast Erdogan fights to hold on to Damascus
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Jul 24, 2025 The chaos in Syria intensifies as a ceasefire falters, highlighting the humanitarian toll on local communities. Erdogan’s ambitions for Damascus reveal a web of geopolitical challenges from the U.S., Israel, and Qatar. Instead of direct annexation, he seeks ideologically aligned leadership. Meanwhile, Turkey and Israel navigate a tense yet evolving partnership, especially concerning regional dynamics with Azerbaijan. The complexities of U.S. foreign policy add another layer, reflecting shifting narratives around the Syrian conflict.
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Syria's Devastating Partition
- Syria is being partitioned into zones of influence by Turkey, Israel, and their proxies, causing disaster for Syrians.
- Local sectarian groups become pawns in a broader geopolitical game led by Erdogan and Israel.
Erdogan's Damascus Objective
- Erdogan's main goal is to control Damascus with a puppet regime rather than outright annexation.
- This contrasts with Israel, which aims for direct territorial gain near and around Damascus.
Erdogan's Ambitions vs. Regional Rivalries
- Erdogan seeks a grand informal deal dividing the Middle East into spheres of influence despite deep rivalry with Israel.
- Such a division faces opposition from Saudi Arabia and Iran and complicates Turkey's regional ambitions.