Turkey Races Ahead of US, Russia in Push for Syria Influence
- Turkish spy chief made a symbolic visit to Damascus Thursday
- US is also trying to push for influence before Trump takeover
This article is for subscribers only.
Turkey is asserting itself as the main player in the shaping of Syria’s future, sending a top official to Damascus and restarting diplomatic relations after more than a decade.
Ibrahim Kalin, the head of the Turkish intelligence agency, made a symbolic visit to the landmark Umayyad Mosque in the Syrian capital on Thursday, surrounded by crowds. On Sunday, rebel leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Mohammed al-Jolani, delivered a victory speech marking the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad at the same mosque.