Amid rapid changes in the Middle East, Türkiye is once again asserting itself as a key power shaping the region’s strategic balance. From the Syrian dossier to the Palestinian issue, and from relations with Israel to policy toward Iran, Ankara operates within a highly complex web of interests and challenges, showcasing its own diplomatic and military architecture of influence.

The relationship between Türkiye and Israel has always been complex and multifaceted, marked by alternating periods of cooperation and tension. In recent years, however, these ties have reached a new low amid escalating geopolitical instability and differing agendas in the Syrian conflict. Despite past instances of collaboration, the current political landscape under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration poses significant barriers to any meaningful alliance between the two countries, News.az reports.

Clashes continue in Syria between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the opposition military group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in rural areas of Aleppo province. The clashes, which began early on November 27, have resulted in HTS taking control of the village of Kafer Besme, along with the heights of Aqil, al-Raghib, Kuptan, and Dabbabat in the western Aleppo countryside. Amid the ongoing conflict, large numbers of civilians have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the Idlib countryside.

Meanwhile, Russian jets bombed the village of Orem Al-Sugra in the western part of the province following the Assad regime’s loss of control over the area. Prior to this, Russian forces were engaged in fighting on the outskirts of Atarib.

Reports suggest that the Islamists have received support from the pro-Turkish opposition. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently expressed his desire to establish ties with the Syrian government to promote peace in the region, including the creation of security zones. This raises questions: Could such a statement provoke certain forces to become more active in the region, potentially obstructing Ankara's initiatives with Syria? If the involvement of the pro-Turkish opposition in this confrontation is confirmed, how might this impact relations between Türkiye and Russia , considering Moscow's support for the Assad regime?

To explore these questions, News.az sought insights from political scientists in Russia and Türkiye.