Erdogan Criticizes Israel and Threatens Opponents of His Policies in Syria
The Turkish president attempts to exploit geopolitical changes in the region to maintain his influence in Syria through claims of coordination with Washington and Moscow, ignoring his role in destabil
April 13, 2025, 10:29 pm

Erdogan Criticizes Israel and Threatens Opponents of His Policies in Syria

Photo credit: World Economic Forum on VisualHunt

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that his country will not stand idly by in the face of what he described as attempts aimed at destabilizing Syria, in statements carrying implicit threats of continued Turkish intervention in Syrian affairs.

In his opening speech at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Erdogan claimed Ankara's rejection of any interventions leading to the fragmentation of Syrian territorial unity, ignoring his forces' occupation of vast areas in northern Syria. He also claimed that he agrees on this framework with both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Turkish president emphasized claims of a close connection between Syria's security and stability and Turkey's security and stability, in an attempt to justify his country's interventionist policies in Syrian affairs.

Erdogan referred to what he considered a "historic opportunity" that emerged after the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, to establish permanent peace in Syria and the region, forgetting his country's role in supporting armed groups.

Erdogan accused Israel of seeking to undermine regional stability, saying: "Israel is becoming a source of problems in the region through its aggressions on Syria and Lebanon, and is trying to undermine the December 8 revolution by fueling ethnic and religious differences and inciting Syrian minorities to oppose the government."

He also denounced what he described as "Israeli attempts to ignite sectarian and ethnic tensions," adding that this "undermines the region's fight against the Islamic State organization and threatens to return Syria to a new spiral of instability."

In a direct threat, Erdogan said: "Those who seek to return the Syrian people to suffering again must prepare to pay the price... We will not allow anyone to destabilize Syria, and its security is part of our security."

The Turkish president addressed the situation in Gaza, criticizing what he described as Israel's violation of human rights and trampling on international law, and committing genocide in the Strip, saying: "Israel is becoming more impudent with the world's silence and indifference... Silence about Israel's massacres is considered participation in these crimes."

Erdogan criticized the international system, saying: "The world is bigger than the five permanent member states of the Security Council," stressing that his country prefers dialogue over conflicts and common sense over polarization.

Erdogan's statements come amid rapid developments on the Syrian scene, continued regional tensions, and Turkey's attempts to maintain its influence in the region despite successive geopolitical changes.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.