In 2025, Turkey launched a significant initiative aimed at establishing a “terror-free Turkey,” marking a pivotal step towards ending a decades-long conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This initiative has garnered considerable support from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, particularly Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, who view it as a crucial move towards enhancing peace and stability in the region.
The dissolution of the PKK and its decision to lay down arms was met with enthusiasm from the GCC, which sees this as a vital development for regional security. Additionally, the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s national military structures has been welcomed by all GCC members. This integration is perceived as essential for restoring central governance in Syria, eliminating security vacuums along its borders, and preserving the country’s territorial integrity.
Saudi Arabia has notably praised the United States for its role in facilitating this agreement. The GCC, through its secretary-general Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, expressed collective support for the initiative during the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council, highlighting its significance for regional stability.
“Turkey’s peace process could potentially serve as an important regional experience from which other states can draw lessons.”
— Dr. Sinem Cengiz
The interconnection between Turkey’s “terror-free” initiative and the SDF’s integration into Syria’s security framework is crucial. The success of one process is likely to influence the other. Historically, the PKK and its affiliates have posed a significant security challenge for Turkey, leading to military operations that strained relations with neighboring countries and the wider Arab world. While the GCC states, except for Qatar, condemned Turkey’s military actions in Syria, the evolving regional dynamics have shifted perceptions.
With the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024, Turkey has sought to reflect the implications of its peace process in the new political landscape of Syria. The emergence of a friendly government in Damascus presents an opportunity for Turkey to prevent the establishment of a Kurdish autonomous region in northern Syria, which both Turkey and the GCC view as a potential threat.
Both Turkey and the GCC recognize the necessity for a unified and centralized governance structure in Syria. A fragmented state could jeopardize not only the new leadership but also the stability of the region. The U.S. has similarly supported the integration of the SDF into state structures, fostering a broader consensus against the role of nonstate armed actors in future regional security frameworks.
Discussions with scholars and officials from the Gulf states reveal three key sentiments regarding Turkey’s initiative and the SDF integration. Firstly, the GCC is closely monitoring these processes, understanding their potential implications for nonstate armed actors across the Middle East. Secondly, Turkey’s peace process is viewed as a valuable reference point for other nations facing similar security challenges. Lastly, the GCC states are considering the economic ramifications of these developments, as nonstate actors have historically imposed significant costs on the region, hindering investments in connectivity and infrastructure projects.
For instance, the Iraq-Europe Development Road project, which links Iraq with Turkey, is supported by Qatar and the UAE. Additionally, both the GCC and Turkey are interested in transforming Syria into a regional trade and connectivity hub, with plans to revive the Hejaz railway. Achieving these ambitious projects necessitates long-term stability and effective governance.
Ultimately, a stable and terror-free region is essential not only for regional economic development but also for the global economy. Thus, both regional and international support is crucial for the success of Turkey’s initiative and the SDF integration process. For the GCC states, these developments transcend mere domestic politics in Turkey and Syria; they signify a broader shift towards a regional order where states, rather than nonstate factions, are the primary guarantors of security and political stability.
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