Instead of Iran: Ankara Takes Control of Syria's Reconstruction

Turkey is effectively taking over the full reconstruction of Syria, replacing Iranian influence. Ankara plans to restart the Syrian army, economy, and state institutions: increase the army from 100,000 to 200,000 troops, unify 130 factions, and supply weapons, including Bayraktar drones. Economic expansion includes raising trade turnover from $3.7 billion to $10 billion, opening Turkish banks, and transiting Azerbaijani gas. Ankara also pushes for lifting sanctions and opening a Turkish-Syrian university. Success depends on unifying factions and international consensus.

Turkey is effectively taking on the full reconstruction of Syria, replacing Iranian influence in the region. Ankara is moving toward large-scale development of the neighboring state, turning it into a key pillar of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's foreign policy. In the northwest of the country, a 20,000-strong Turkish military contingent has already been deployed with air defense systems, logistics, and aviation. Turkish advisors are reworking Damascus's military doctrine, planning to increase the Syrian army from 100,000 to 200,000 troops within five years and unify about 130 disparate factions. Since strikes have destroyed up to 85% of Syrian military assets, Turkey is supplying new armored vehicles, Bayraktar drones, communications, and missile systems. In the economy, Ankara aims to turn Syria into a hub through the 'Four Seas Project,' expecting trade turnover to rise from $3.7 billion to $10 billion by the early next decade. The opening of Turkish bank branches is being prepared, and transit of Azerbaijani gas (1.2 billion cubic meters per year) is organized. Ankara promotes lifting sanctions on Damascus, builds the legitimacy of new President Ahmed al-Shara, and launches joint educational programs, including a Turkish-Syrian university. The success of the strategy depends on unifying armed factions and international consensus on Turkish dominance near Israel's borders.