The tension in Idlib increased when Syria regime forces backed by Russia hit Turkish observation points, killing 8 people 7 of whom were military personnel. Following this recent development, AKP Chair Tayyip Erdoğan, announced that they were doing 'what is necessary', while Russia shelled Taftanaz Military Airport where Turkey was traying to establish a base and 5 more military personnel had lost their lives. Middle East Expert Bereket Kar evaluated the developments in Idlib.

 

Pointing out that Idlib is the main agenda in the region, Kar underlined that this issue is a significant milestone for Turkey and Syria. Kar, stating that Idlib is very significant for Turkey and other regional powers because it is a line of defence, said: "The reason behind Russia's plan to deploy its armed forces to Idlib is to push these troops to Turkey and destroy them there. This actually is a process that started in 2015.Turkey said yes to all agreements starting with the Astana process and continued with Soçi. But Turkey did not fulfill the required tasks such as withdrawing its armed forces from the region. The general perception in Syria and Arabs is that Turkey caused the collapse of Syria. Turkey's support to extreme islamists forces is known by everyone.

 

 

TURKEY IS IN A DEAD END

 

Kar, stating that at this point Turkey have lost military personnel and faces attacks in this regard, said Turkey is in a significant impasse in Idlib. Kar, emphasizing that so far 5 observation points of Turkey is besieged by Syria, said: "When you look at the press in Turkey, it says that Idlib is a province of Turkey and Esad attacked Idlib with all his forces. They are trying to create an understanding that Turkey is in a state of self defence."

 

Kar, underlining that Turkey has no statements regarding the peace in Syria, said: "Turkey have been deploying 1.300 troops and armoured vehicles, reinforcement units and around 5 thousand commandos and speacial forces to Idlib for the last 3 days. Why are they there for? Firstly, once can say that this is a deterrence mission. Secondly, one can say that Turkey seeks conflict with Syrian forces and thirdly, one can say Turkey is there to protect its observation points- which brings conflict with Syrian forces- and fourth one might thing that Turkey assumed around 1 million people will enter Turkey if they get stuck and they are there to stop them. If that is the reason, you can not stop those people like that.

 

ONLY SOLUTION IS NEGOTIATION

 

Kar, stating that Turkey is in an impasse all around, stated that the only solution is to negotiate with Syrian Administration. Kar, drawing attention to the fact that there is no room for maneuver left for Turkey, said: "Anyway, the reason for Turkey to insist on Idlib and to deploy that many military personnel in IDlib is that it wants to negotiate and it wants to strengthen its hand. Even though Turkey makes statements in favour of conflict after the latest developments, Turkey stored up instead of engaging with the Syrian forces. Granting a one month delay indicates that Turkey is on a quest. THe delegation came to Ankara from Moscow held meetings two days ago but Russia was not convinced. During these meetings the M4 and M5 highways were seized. The seizure of these highways has a very strategic meaning for for Turkey. These areas are also a market for Turkey. Is there a way out? There is only one way out. Turkey has to sit at a table and negotiate, recognizing the administrations of Russia, Syria and Iran. 

 

MA/ Diren Yurtsever