Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) elite weren't the only ones ecstatic with the party’s 49% victory in the Nov. 1 elections. Some foreign elements also were captivated by the result: AKP's revival as a strong, single-party ruler that could also lead Turkey to a presidential ruling system.

Among the most pleased are the "moderate jihadis" of Syria who are fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State (IS). As I stressed in an Al-Monitor article Oct. 26, these groups, which are receiving support and protection from Turkey, have been going through rough times of late with Russia's intervention and high-paced joint operations with the Syrian army. The AKP's electoral success has improved the groups' morale.

But first, an explanation is in order. From the reactions to my previous article, I understand there is a growing trend to put "moderate jihadis” in the same terror category as IS. Actually, most of the moderate jihadi groups see IS as a foreign element imposed on the Sunni world. Perhaps we should define the moderate jihadi, who has some basic differences from an IS jihadi.

• Moderate jihadis say they would respect democratic election results in Syria.
• They recognize other religious and sectarian groups and are ready, in principle, to negotiate with them.
• If a reconciliation is achieved through negotiations, they are prepared to lay down their arms in a political transition process.
• Instead of advocating a regional or global jihad, they limit themselves to Syria.

While the Free Syrian Army congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his party's success in the elections, the multifaction Army of Conquest issued a declaration noting Erdogan and the AKP government have never abandoned their support of the Syrian revolution, despite domestic and foreign pressure and have constantly followed an ethical policy.