Syria's islamist leader courts Ankara amid rising regional fears

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Syria’s self-declared interim president and leader of the Islamist coalition that overthrew Bashar al-Assad last December, is set to visit Turkey on Friday, a move signaling Ankara's growing involvement in post-war Syria.

Al-Sharaa will attend a diplomatic forum in Antalya, according to Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling AKP party.

He is also expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates later this week, as confirmed by the Syrian Foreign Ministry.

While Turkey has positioned itself as a key supporter of Syria’s new transitional authorities, Al-Sharaa’s rise to power has raised red flags among international observers.

Known for his ties to hardline Islamist groups earlier in the civil war, the interim leader’s record has fueled skepticism about Syria's political future and the ideological direction of the new regime.

The implications of Turkey’s deepening influence in Syria have not gone unnoticed. Israeli officials expressed alarm over Ankara’s role, particularly following reports that Turkey is attempting to establish military outposts within Syrian territory, including inside the strategic T4 airbase in Homs province — a site recently targeted by Israeli airstrikes.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly criticized Turkey’s involvement, warning: “We do not believe Syria should become a Turkish protectorate.” Ankara’s Foreign Ministry responded by condemning what it called “provocative and racist” Israeli rhetoric, accusing Israel of pursuing “aggressive expansionist policies.”

Despite these tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to frame his country's actions as part of a broader anti-terrorism strategy.

During their February meeting in Ankara, Erdogan and Al-Sharaa reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating extremist groups, including ISIS and Kurdish militias in northern Syria.

Ankara is also pushing for the repatriation of nearly three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey and is lobbying for the removal of international sanctions to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction.

However, many regional analysts urge caution.

While Assad’s fall marked the end of one chapter, the rise of an Islamist-led government with opaque objectives presents new uncertainties. With no inclusive national dialogue yet established and deep ideological divides persisting, the road to peace and stability in Syria remains fragile.

Observers stress the need for international actors to press for political pluralism, respect for minority rights, and transparent governance as conditions for future engagement with the new authorities in Damascus.

The international community must avoid repeating past mistakes by blindly endorsing a new regime that may replace one form of repression with another.