Former Turkish MP Resul Tosun said Turkey played a decisive role in the Syrian government’s success against the Kurdish-led SDF by cutting off Western and Israeli backing.
In a January 18, 2026 interview on TRT Arabic TV, Tosun said Ankara was pivotal in persuading the United States to withdraw its support for the Syrian Democratic Forces, which he described as the turning point in the conflict. According to Tosun, once US backing was lifted, the balance shifted decisively in favor of the Syrian government.
He further claimed that Turkey also succeeded in preventing Israel from intervening on behalf of the Kurds in Syria. Using stark language, Tosun said “the Turkish sword was hanging over the SDF’s necks,” signaling that Ankara was prepared to act militarily to enforce its red lines.
Tosun framed Turkey’s actions as strategic and deliberate, arguing that without Ankara’s pressure, outside intervention could have altered the outcome on the ground. His remarks reflect how Turkish officials and former lawmakers view Ankara’s role not merely as a regional actor, but as a decisive power shaping the course of the Syrian war.
