Turkey's attacks against North and East Syria continues since October 9 despite the agreements made with Russia and USA. Many civillians lost their lives as a result of the attacks while hundreds of thousands of people are displaced.

 

Middle East and Turkey expert Prof. Henri J. Barkey who teaches at the USA Lehigh University International Relations Department evaluated these attacks and the NATO summit that was held last week in London.

 

TURKEY'S ACTIONS ARE BEING CONDONED EVEN IF NOT SUPPORTED

 

Barkey stating that Turkey's actions are being condoned by the world countries even if they are not supported, says those countries think that they can't do anything.

 

Barkey stating that the problems experienced in the Middle East being ignored by the Trump administration effects the whole world, said: "No significant steps are taken without the leadership of USA. USA loses being the primary power with Trump administration. Before that, the Obama administration was considered to be a primary power and the other countries acted on it."

 

RUSSIA WILL FILL THE GAP

 

Stating that the US does not have a definite and definable policy in Northern and Eastern Syria, Barkey said that Russia has a clearer policy towards the region.

 

Stressing that every step that will strengthen the Assad regime in Syria will strengthen Russia, Barkey said: "That's why Russia will do all in their power to ensure Esad regime to be in total control of Syria. USA have created a gap in the region with the Trump administration. Russia will try to fill this gap."

 

 

Barkey stated that the safe zone Turkey is trying to establish will not bring peace and prosperity to the region.

 

 

'THE DEMAND IS A DIPLOMATIC TACTIC'

 

Barkey stated that Turkey's demand that YPG to be labelled as a terrorist organization last week in NATO summit was a diplomatic tactic. Barkey said: "Turkey will bring their wishes to the front every chance they have. They can't realize their every demand but they will raise these issues in every opportunity. Turkey will try to exhaust their allies into acceptance.Europeans think that Turkey is threatening them, especially when it comes to the refugees and therefore they are thinking about drawing a line against Turkey. The YPG has gained much sympathy in its struggle against ISIS. In this sense, Turkey will not convince anyone that YPG is a terrorist organization. Therefore this request was not welcomed at the NATO summit."

 

 

MA / Naci Kaya