Syria: Maritime Borders or Turkish Interests? Where is Syria headed?

Syria: Maritime Borders or Turkish Interests? Where is Syria headed?
December 26, 2024, 2:34 pm

أحمد منصور

Recently, discussions have resurfaced regarding Turkey's efforts to define maritime borders with Syria, a move that comes at a time when Syria lacks a legitimate elected government and a stable constitution that delineates the powers authorized to enter into international agreements. These efforts raise questions about their timing and objectives, especially since such agreements pertain to national sovereignty and the future of natural resources in the region. It is natural for resources to be at the heart of conflicts during times of strife, and it seems that Turkey, which shares a long land border and strategic interests with Syria, seeks to take advantage of the current situation to solidify its presence in the Mediterranean. Numerous reports indicate the existence of vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath the seabed, specifically near the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, resources that could change the economic equation in the region. Discussions over the past years have involved secret talks among Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Greece regarding the sharing of these marine resources. These talks, which did not lead to a final agreement, almost sparked a new conflict between Turkey and Greece in 2020. The Mediterranean, with its resources, remains a theater of regional and international competition.

Amid the ongoing Syrian political vacuum, which has become an opportunity with the absence of a legitimate Syrian government and a stable constitution, Turkey finds itself in a favorable position to negotiate agreements that could grant it control over a portion of the Syrian maritime resources. However, this move raises ethical and legal questions:
Can a temporary or weak government enter into agreements that affect the country’s future?
What if a new Syrian government comes to power that is not loyal to Ankara?
It is evident that Turkey is aiming to secure its gains in the current situation, as it may face greater challenges if the political balances in Syria change in the future. The regional struggle for Mediterranean resources is not a new phenomenon. In the last decade, it has evolved into a complex arena of political and economic conflicts among regional countries. While Turkey seeks to assert its influence, countries like Greece, Egypt, and Israel insist on protecting their maritime rights according to international law.

Based on the above, I believe that Turkey's maneuvers may be an attempt to strengthen its position before any political or constitutional settlement in Syria, but this approach carries significant risks. It may lead to new regional disputes and provoke international reactions, especially from countries that have economic and political interests in the Mediterranean.

In conclusion, there is a national question: the interests of Syria or the interests of others?
While the race for interests surrounding the delineation of maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean is merely a new episode in the series of geopolitical disputes plaguing the region, with every step taken by Turkey, Israel, and other countries in this direction, the urgent need for Syria to regain its full sovereignty through a legitimate government and a strong constitution that guarantees the rights of the Syrian society and its resources becomes clearer. The question remains: Will Syria be able to protect its resources in the face of regional ambitions? Or will the political vacuum continue to provide opportunities for the imposition of others' interests?

By: Political Opponent Ahmad Mansour

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