ISTANBUL/DAMASCUS, Jan 19 (Reuters) - As the dust settles in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has emerged as a significant power broker in the region, leveraging its position to influence the future of post-Assad Syria.

Negotiators from the United States, Turkey, Syria, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are actively exploring a potential resolution to the contentious issue of Kurdish forces in Syria. The U.S. views the SDF as a primary ally in countering the Islamic State, but Turkey regards the Kurdish faction as a significant threat to its national security.

Discussions are ramping up around possible agreements that could see some Kurdish fighters leave the northeast of Syria while others integrate under the new Syrian defense ministry. However, the integration terms remain complex, with many conflicting interests and demands from all parties involved. The SDF has expressed the need for a decentralized administrative structure to ensure regional autonomy, which the new Syrian administration has been cautious about granting.

Turkey plays an essential diplomatic and military role in these negotiations, primarily due to its historical backing of various rebel groups during the civil war and its ongoing security concerns over the PKK insurgency that has plagued Turkey since the 1980s. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has indicated that the newly established Syrian administration should address Turkish concerns regarding the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara views as a terrorist entity linked to the PKK.

Since the fall of Assad, Turkey has gained increased leverage in the region, illustrated by its strong ties with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the current ruling faction in Damascus, and eagerness to participate in Syrian reconstruction efforts. As stated by a source in Turkey's Foreign Ministry, ensuring the disarmament of armed groups is crucial for Syria's stability. Turkey is prepared to support Syria’s reconstruction while also indicating readiness for new military operations if its security concerns regarding the YPG are not adequately addressed.

Intensive bilateral talks continue, with Turkish and U.S. officials sharing a collective perspective on the need for all foreign fighters to exit Syrian territory, a source indicates. With punctuated clashes occurring between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF, each side is aware that failing to reach a political accord may lead to further unrest in the region.

The new dynamics following the Assad regime's collapse have shifted the balance of power, as Turkey now collaborates directly with the U.S. to refine its approach to Kurdish-led forces. Experts suggest that how Kurdish factions adapt to the changing security landscape will be pivotal in establishing long-term stability in Syria.

Ultimately, Turkey’s influence in Syria is set to expand as it adopts a multifaceted approach involving military might, economic support, and diplomatic maneuvers. The stakes remain high for all parties, with genuine action required to address the regional threat posed by the remnants of the PKK and Islamic State.

For up-to-date reporting on these developments, refer to the full articles by Reuters.