In a recent statement, President-elect Donald Trump emphasized Turkey’s influential position in Syrian affairs following the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel groups partly backed by Ankara. Trump described Turkey’s actions as an ‘unfriendly takeover’ and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He noted the strategic importance of Turkey in controlling northern Syria and highlighted the ongoing U.S. military presence in the region, emphasizing its collaboration with Kurdish forces, which has created tensions with Turkey.