Turkey (Washington Insider Magazine) – The ongoing transformations in the Middle East are reshaping the region’s power structure, with Turkey and Israel emerging as unexpected winners. The collapse of Syria’s regime has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, strengthening both nations in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Israel’s national interests, deeply rooted in security, military supremacy, and countering Iran’s influence, have been bolstered by the weakening of Tehran and its proxies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s focus on both military might and the will to act decisively has placed Israel in a more secure position than in recent years.
Meanwhile, Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is positioning itself as a dominant regional power. Erdoğan has openly discussed his vision of a “new Turkey” that draws upon the Ottoman Empire’s legacy and leads the Islamic world. His aspirations, however, are raising concerns in Israel, the Gulf monarchies, and the United States.
Erdoğan’s growing influence disrupts Saudi Arabia’s position as the primary leader of the Sunni world, offering an alternative to the Gulf monarchies and resonating with Sunni Muslims and political Islamists. As Turkey expands its role in Syria and the broader Middle East, Israel is increasingly worried about a Turkish-led Sunni bloc.
Moreover, European and U.S. diplomats are engaging with groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a key force in Syria’s shift in power. Despite being labeled as a terrorist group by the U.S., HTS leaders such as Ahmed al-Shara are becoming integral players in Syria’s future.
Turkey’s growing influence in Damascus and other parts of the region is pushing Erdoğan’s vision of a greater Turkish sphere of influence further, with ambitions stretching to former Ottoman lands, including Libya and Somalia. The changing Middle East landscape presents new challenges and opportunities for both Turkey and Israel.
