Trump hails Türkiye as key player in post-Assad Syria

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on Dec. 16, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday proclaimed Türkiye as a pivotal force in Syria's future, following the recent fall of the Assad regime.

Trump's comments come as the region grapples with a new political landscape after more than 50 years of Assad family rule.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen with Syria, but I think Türkiye is going to hold the key," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The incoming president, known for his bold predictions, added, "I don't think you've heard that from anybody else, but I've been pretty good at predicting."

Trump praised his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing him as "very smart" and lauding Türkiye's military strength.

"Türkiye is a major force," he said. "Erdoğan is somebody I got along with great. He's built a very strong, powerful army that hasn't been worn out by war."

When asked about the potential withdrawal of American troops from northeastern Syria, Trump remained noncommittal but said Erdoğan is "a very smart guy."

"I think Türkiye is very smart. He's a very smart guy and very tough, but Türkiye did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost. I can say that Assad was a butcher, here, what he did to children," he added, referring to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The president-elect's remarks align with observations from foreign policy experts who suggest Türkiye has emerged with a stronger position following recent events in Syria.

Trump's comments touch on the complex dynamics in the region, including the U.S. partnership with the Syrian...