Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli today suggested that the Turkish military, which invaded northern Syria two weeks ago, is preparing to go deeper into Syrian territory in the near future, suggesting that Turkey may ultimately want a deeper slice of Syria than just the 90 km border stretch.
While this would include some ISIS territory deeper into the country, Canikli’s comments centered heavily on the Kurdish YPG, and continued Turkish annoyance that they have forces west of the Euphrates River, and have not totally withdrawn.
Turkey made a big point, during their initial invasion, of saying that a major factor was the Kurdish expansion across the river, which Turkey had long insisted was a “red line.” The main Kurdish territory on the west side of the river is in and around Manbij.
Turkish officials made it clear the 90 km stretch of land was their goal, but never how deep into Syria this was intended to reach. As they continue southward, they risk coming up against the frontiers of the Nusra Front and the Syrian military around the city of Aleppo.
If the US “throws Kurds under the bus” I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see disaffected Kurds becoming anti-US terrorists with a vengeance. Strangely, these displaced freedom fighters may be the trump card that wins the day for al Assad. Politics makes strange bed-fellows.
Good idea. Kurds — at least YPG — have lost this gamble. What is really crazy is that US did not go after ISIS, but just under the guise of anti-ISIS coalition proceeded giving Kurds a blank check to ethnically cleanse the entire corridor along Turkish border, connecting Kurds into contiguous areas. Kurds did that with vengeance, especially in Manbij. Now, that was a story. Manbij was bombed, population hit hard, many fled. But what happened to ISIS? They were ALLOWED TO LEAVE UNMOLESTED. It is a long trek from Manbij to their territory, but they were given safe passage! So, it was all about Kurds — giving them territory, so that US can legitimately stay in Syria — protecting the “nascent democracy”, at it is often labeled. And to protect them from whoever will rule in Damascus.
The plan is now shot. Kurds cannot go forward, US cannot use them any more in the fake fight with ISIS. Turks have now for the third time issued statements about their movements. And it looks like it is all a misdirection — to keep Kurds and US guessing. And now, Turkey is under its wing taken not just Turkmen, but also other groups that could not hope for a good deal in any peace accords. Like 3,000 or so Free Syrian Army groups. What it means in the final analysis is that Turkey will have somebody hold the land, and if they move their main thrust of operations in either direction, Kurds will not be able to take over the lost territory. So, now Turkey can offer help to US in attacking Raqqa. This will be the end of supplies going like multiple ribbon tracks towards the rebels in Idlib or Aleppo. It is clear that Aleppo is now seriously surrounded, and the territory under Syrian government will be reinforced by many units from Iran and Iraq. It is an end game, and the US gambling at this stage is pure bluff. Kurds will have to lick their wounds unless US comes up with a trade to give them something. But state they will not have. In the meantime, there are Syrian Kurds in their Moscow offices. Wonder what dealing will take place. Groups that are smart will seek Turkish umbrella, to get themselves out of the pickle. This may be their last and best bet to save their lives and whatever of their demands. Or just wait to be gradually suffocated without supplies.
Bianca, perhaps you should go back to reading Daily Sabah and other Turkish state propaganda. For a Turk to lecture other groups about ethnic cleansing is the height of hypocrisy – remember the Armenian genocide? Turks have one of the most bloody histories of ethnic cleansing of any group in the world.
Jarabulus was ‘liberated’ by Turkey without a shot being fired. Were you even aware of this? Turkey had been doing deals with Islamist terror groups since day one and the Jarabulus operation ‘against’ ISIS was another example. After all, brothers don’t like to turn on each other do they? The world is well aware of Turkey’s treachery and Erdogan will end his days in a prison cell or against the wall.