Lebanese Sunni Politicians Wary of Erdogan's Growing Influence Amid US Support

Lebanese Sunni politicians have privately expressed dissatisfaction with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's attempts to assert influence in Lebanon, according to a report by Kan News on Tuesday evening. Erdogan, buoyed by support from US President Donald Trump and following his successes in Syria, is seeking to expand his political reach into Lebanon. However, sources familiar with the matter told Kan News that the Sunni representatives in the Lebanese government, Erdogan's primary target for influence, are not enthusiastic about his involvement. Their reservations stem from Erdogan's Islamist ideology and Lebanon's longstanding Saudi patronage, which has traditionally supported Sunni and other sects in the country.

Currently, Turkey lacks influence over Sunni members of the Lebanese parliament, unlike Saudi Arabia, but Lebanese Sunni politicians are closely monitoring Erdogan's moves, especially given his impact on neighboring Syria. Recently, Erdogan hosted Lebanon's Sunni Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Ankara. A Lebanese source explained that Lebanon's leadership cannot publicly oppose Turkish involvement due to pragmatic considerations, particularly with US backing for Erdogan. Additionally, behind the scenes, Lebanon's decision to send a representative to the funeral of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Turkey is seen as an effort to prevent Syria from becoming directly involved in a confrontation within Lebanon.