The gambit could give the Turkish president a chance to extend his power, while also calming a conflict that threatens to undermine the new Syrian government.

The PKK declared a ceasefire after its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan called for the group's dissolution, marking a potential step toward peace with Turkey. However, the PKK insists on improved conditions for Ocalan and a secure environment before fully disbanding.

Turkey’s ruling AKP views the fall of Assad in Syria as an opportunity to project power across the region. But the conflicting interests of the Gulf monarchies, Israel, and the US will make attempts by any one power to exert influence over Syria fraught.

Between the ambitions of the country’s leadership and those of Turkey and Israel, the post-al-Assad era already presents daunting challenges