Israeli orientalist incites against Turkiye, which ‘will replace Iran’ in region


People hold a banner featuring Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as members of the Syrian community and supporters gather to celebrate the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in the face of an offensive by Islamist-led rebels, in Istanbul on December 8, 2024. [Yasin AKGUL / AFP/ Getty Images]

MEMO
December 23, 2024 

An Israeli orientalist has warned about Turkiye’s role in the new Syria, as local media outlets continue to highlight what is happening in the occupation state’s neighbour. Writing in Israel Hayom, Eyal Zisser claimed that, “As Iran begins the countdown toward the collapse of the Ayatollah regime, Turkiye is heading in the opposite direction, gradually being overtaken by Islamism.”

Zisser mentioned the efforts made by Iran to besiege Israel, but pointed out that the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria has “dashed Iran’s grand ambitions and set Tehran back significantly.” He added his belief that Turkiye under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has “rushed” to fill the vacuum.

“Erdogan backed Abu Mohammad Al-Julani [Ahmed Al-Sharaa], Syria’s new ruler, financing and arming his forces and granting him the green light to attack and dismantle the regime in Damascus,” said Zisser, who claimed that it is not just the occupation state that can be harmed by Turkiye’s role in Syria, but also Jordan and the Arab states. “While Israel fears the spillover of terror from Syria, Jordan worries about the infiltration of radical Islamic revolutionary ideas into its already fragile society.”

According to the orientalist, Erdogan aims to edge out Shia Iran from the region. “The two countries are locked in both religious and political rivalry, competing for dominance in the Middle East. “[However] While Al-Julani has benefited from Erdogan’s support, it is doubtful that he wishes to become Erdogan’s proxy or agent. Furthermore, Turkiye lacks the economic and military resources to assume control over Syria.”

The Israeli commentator went on to incite against Turkiye even more. “Erdogan harbours grand ambitions to restore the glory of the Ottoman Empire, which once ruled the entire Middle East. It is clear that he views Islamic zealotry, steeped in hatred for Israel, as the glue to unite the pieces of the Middle Eastern puzzle under his control.”