أثر النزاع في سوريا على العلاقات بين تركيا و حلف شمال الأطلسي

Abstract EN

Objective: From the beginning, external factors greatly influenced the conflict in Syria and the international actors played a major role in determining the course of the conflict.

However, to what extent did the conflict in Syria influence the international actors in the region or shape the international relations between them? This paper examines the impact of the conflict in Syria on the Turkey-NATO relations; it explores the main motives and the fears of both parties considering the Syrian conflict, and its impact on relations between them.

Methodology: The research uses the historical approach to explain the background of the relations between Turkey and NATO, the analytical approach to analyze the impact of the conflict in Syria on both Turkey and the U.S as a leading player in the NATO, and finally the scenario-building approach to explore some expected future scenarios.

Results: The research finds a wide difference in the concerns and priorities of both parties.

On the one hand, the NATO and the U.S preferred, from the very beginning, to participate minimally in the Syrian conflict, with the only exception of fighting Islamic terrorist groups, especially ISIS.

The U.S also supported the Popular Protection Units in their fight against ISIS.

On the other hand, the Turkish stand was shaped by the Kurdish issue and the Turkish Russian rapprochement.

Conclusion: Together, the different fears and motives of the U.S and NATO from that of Ankara’s, the distrust between Turkey and the NATO and the U.S, the breach of promises towards Ankara and the weak communication with Washington led to Ankara's disappointment and its orientation towards other trustworthy allies, which threatens to undermine NATO unity and reduce its capabilities in the Mediterranean and Middle East Region.