Скачать или смотреть PODCAST: HTS torn between Turkish-backed Syrian forces and Al Qaeda-linked Hurras al Deen in Idlib

The renewed Turkish-Russian cooperation in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib appears to be holding, although the new dynamic is pushing Turkey reluctantly into a direct conflict with the regionally popular, formerly Al Qaeda-affiliated HTS, or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

HTS has long resisted calls from Turkey to disband and join the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces. For HTS, this would be a betrayal for their agenda to enforce a system based on their interpretations of Islam. Yet at the same time HTS does not seek direct confrontation with Turkey, although this seems inevitable.

Instead, HTS is trying to gain legitimacy by fighting fringe groups that did not make the transition away from Al Qaeda, such as Hurras al Deen, which are in open conflict with Turkish troops in Idlib. Any escalation in tensions between Turkish troops and militant groups could however see HTS split, with elements closer to Turkey joining the Turkish-backed opposition, while those more loyal to Al Qaeda strengthening the ranks of groups like Hurras al Deen.

Radio EastMed’s Editor-in-Chief Ertan Karpazli has more.

To listen to the full podcast rounding up all the major events of April 2020 in the Eastern Mediterranean, please visit the following link:    • APRIL 2020 ROUNDUP - Shifting geopolitical...