New Alliance Against ISIS: Turkey Joins Neighbors in Syrian Fight

In a bold regional move, Turkey announced it will join forces with Syria, Iraq, and Jordan to confront the lingering threat of the Islamic State group in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that this coordinated effort aims not only to dismantle ISIS’s remaining footholds but also to recalibrate U.S. involvement in the region, particularly by reducing support for Kurdish-led militias that Turkey deems as extensions of the PKK.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha alongside regional leaders, Fidan criticized the current role of the Kurdish YPG, arguing that instead of actively combating ISIS, the group is largely occupied with guarding thousands of ISIS detainees. He suggested that a united regional front would be more effective in eradicating the extremist threat and would allow the United States to reconsider its long-standing alliance with the Kurdish forces.

Preliminary talks among the four nations have already taken place, setting the stage for joint military operations and intelligence sharing. The proposed alliance reflects Turkey’s strategic pivot in the region—seeking to reinforce its national security while pushing for a realignment of external military support in Syria. Critics of U.S. policy, including Turkish officials, hope that this new coalition could prompt a reassessment of Western engagement, especially concerning Kurdish forces in Syria.