U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Visit to Turkey and Iran’s Regional Influence: Khamenei’s vision for the axis of resistance, by Ahmad Shuaibu Isa
The recent visit of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Turkey underscores the tense and intricate relationship between Washington and Ankara, primarily influenced by disagreements regarding the role of Kurdish forces in Syria.
This visit occurs at a crucial juncture, as tensions rise between the NATO allies due to their divergent interests in the ongoing Syrian conflict. The United States has continued to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish militia that has played a vital role in combating “ISIS”. However, this support has strained relations with Turkey, a NATO member that views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an entity designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and its allies.
The U.S. deems the SDF essential for preventing the so called resurgence of ISIS, particularly in northern Syria, where American forces remain deployed. Blinken’s comments highlight the strategic significance of the Kurdish-led forces, which have contributed to stabilising crucial regions in Syria.
Nevertheless, this partnership has created a significant rift with Turkey, which perceives the SDF presence as a direct threat to its national security. Ankara is apprehensive that the SDF’s control over northern Syria may offer sanctuary to the PKK, thereby exacerbating separatist movements within Turkey’s Kurdish population.
In retaliation, Turkey has initiated military operations to neutralise Kurdish forces in Syria, including the recent recapture of Manbij, which was previously under SDF control. These actions have resulted in direct military confrontations between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF, accentuating the escalating tension in the region. Despite a mutual interest in defeating ISIS and curtailing Iranian influence, the conflicting objectives regarding Kurdish autonomy have left U.S.-Turkey relations in a deadlock. The United States insists on supporting the SDF to maintain regional stability, while Turkey demands the cessation of this support, further complicating NATO’s cohesion.
Meanwhile, Iran’s regional power continues to grow under the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has become a pivotal player in the Middle East, spearheading the Axis of Resistance, a coalition of state and non-state actors opposed to U.S. influence and Israeli power.
This alliance encompasses groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, united by a shared ideological commitment to resisting Western dominance. In a recent address, Sayyid Khamenei reaffirmed the resilience of the Axis of Resistance, despite the various challenges it faces, including the evolving dynamics within Syria.
Iran’s military influence in the region is substantial. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated supporters exert considerable sway, particularly through unconventional warfare tactics. Iran’s missile capabilities and its ability to disrupt essential infrastructure have bolstered its regional leverage. Despite international sanctions, Iran’s strategic partnerships with Russia and China have enhanced its economic standing, enabling it to circumvent global pressures.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s address focused on the ongoing expansion of the Axis of Resistance, emphasising the unity of groups such as Hezbollah and the Iraqi resistance factions. He reassured his supporters that, despite the challenges facing the Syrian government, the resistance movement remains intact and robust. He stressed that the decentralised nature of this alliance only enhances its resilience, allowing it to endure setbacks in individual countries.
Iran’s ideological leadership, rooted in the political system of “Wilayat al-Faqih” (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), underpins its support for regional groups aligned with its vision of resistance. This ideological cohesion ensures the longevity of Iran’s alliances, particularly with Hezbollah in Lebanon, solidifying Iran’s role in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.
In conclusion, while the United States and Turkey remain entangled in a delicate diplomatic standoff over the Kurdish issue in Syria, Iran’s influence continues to grow.
Khamenei’s affirmation of the Axis of Resistance signals a strengthening regional presence that is altering the balance of power. The ongoing U.S.-Turkey confrontation underscores the complexity of international alliances in the Middle East, with the future of Syria and the broader region hanging in the balance as these superpowers and regional actors vie for influence.
Ahmad Shuaibu Isa lives in Zaria, Nigeria, he is a writer and a student of International Studies Specialising in Defense and Strategic studies and can be reached via ahmadeesir214@gmail.com
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