NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS SYRIAN and TURKEY CASE

An analysis of Turkish Foreign Policy in the context of Neighborhood Relations between 1999-2009: Syrian Case

Abstract

Deserves the evolution of the syrian-turkish relations, more recent attention and reflection from many angles, because these relations have entered an unprecedented era after the signing of the abolition of visas between the two countries and the establishment of common strategic cooperation council meets once a year at least, is a scene ties the two neighboring countries today shows distinctive level of cooperation and exchange and understanding at various levels, political, security and economic development. There is no doubt that the spectacle of the syrian-turkish relations is quite different from what it was before 1998, it was a crisis, tension and anger attributes to a period of semi-cold war, unannounced between the two countries, which are terminated by agreement, "adana" of the same year, and keep it in the way of special relations and strategy, and after reaching an end to the dispute over what was called at that time, "kurdish card" and the border.

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION4

Problem4

Aim and Objectives4

Research Question5

Research Methodology6

Significance7

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW9

Background9

Definition of Diplomacy9

Syrian Foreign Policy Decision Making Process10

Turkish Foreign Policy Decision Making Process13

Presidency Role14

Turkish General Staff Role18

Prime Ministry Role21

Foreign Affairs Ministry Role24

Chapter 3: Bilateral Relations of Syria and Turkey28

Historical Background30

Ottoman Empire30

Hatay Annexation35

After Cold War40

PKK and Expel of Ocalan41

Diplomatic thaw Period43

Funeral of Hafiz Esad45

Rafic Hariri Assasination45

Turkey's response47

Iraqi War49

Davutoglu Diplomacy Strategies (Since 2002)52

Strategic Deepening/Depth53

Pro-active Diplomacy54

Zero Problem Policy with Neighbors55

Strategic Neighborhood Policy on Syria56

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION & RESULTS59

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION66

References71

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Problem

The Middle East is a region that is no stranger to conflict. However, for most this has meant the inevitable antagonism between Israelis and Palestinians. Recently though, most eyes have turned away from the Occupied Territories and looked north towards Syria and her neighbor Turkey. Over the last week relations between these two countries have gone from bad to worse. What started as diplomatic posturing has led to military maneuvers and threats of imminent war. There are numerous reasons behind this situation, but focus lately has been on Turkey's on-going struggle against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish separatist group that Ankara has accused of being supplied by Damascus. During the 14 year conflict between the PKK and the Turkish military, this accusation against Syria has been made repeatedly, but never has it led to a situation that involves foreign leaders shuttling between the two capitals or to military build-ups along borders.

Aim and Objectives

Syria's decision to conduct a military exercise with Turkey comes in the context of its broader goal of boosting relations with Turkey. Unsure and somewhat nervous about US policy, Syria is taking steps to build a circle of friends in the region by turning its immediate neighbours from old foes into useful allies. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is trying to reverse decades of hostility and mistrust with Turkey and Iraq (relations with Jordan are still strained due to political differences and lingering mistrust), as evidenced in the latest agreement between Syrian Prime Minister ...