Military Option, Reluctantly Kept

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara does not want to return to military methods in Syria but warned that continued delays could narrow available options. 

“We do not want to be forced to resort to military means again,” Fidan said, stressing that Türkiye’s preference remains dialogue and negotiation. 

His remarks reflect Ankara’s attempt to balance pressure with restraint as talks with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue.

Fidan underscored that Türkiye’s position is shared by Syrians and several other partners, whom he did not name, indicating that concern over the pace of the process extends beyond Ankara alone.

“Patience Is Running Out”

Fidan warned that the SDF must recognize that the patience of relevant actors is being exhausted. 

“The SDF must understand that the patience of the relevant actors is running out,” he said, signaling growing frustration with what Ankara views as a lack of concrete progress.

At the center of the dispute is the March 10 agreement, which Türkiye expects the SDG to implement fully and without delay. 

“They must reach a point where they fulfill their commitments to the March 10 Agreement,” Fidan said. 

“Everyone expects them to implement this agreement without delay and without distortion.”

Delays and Strategic Calculations

While reaffirming commitment to a peaceful process, Fidan acknowledged dissatisfaction with the speed of developments. “Of course, we are not happy with the pace of the process,” he said. 

According to Fidan, Türkiye, Syrians, and some unnamed partners believe the SDF is attempting to buy time rather than move decisively.

Fidan suggested the SDF may be holding out hope for shifting regional dynamics. 

“I think they are hoping for other opportunities for themselves,” he said, possibly in the form of another regional crisis or due to what he described as Israel’s expansionist policies toward Syria and other areas. 

These factors, he implied, may be shaping SDF calculations.

Dialogue as the Preferred Path

Despite the warnings, Fidan emphasized that Ankara continues to favor diplomatic solutions. 

“We only hope that matters will be resolved through dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful means,” he said.