Turkey shifts policy on Syria

Jordan Times ^ | Oct 11,2017 | Michael Jansen

[BlackVeil]

Turkey’s latest intervention in the Syria conflict appears to reflect a 180-degree shift in its policy of backing Al Qaeda-linked takfiris and a range of largely fundamentalist insurgents, as well as the Saudi-sponsored Syrian opposition with the aim of bringing down President Bashar Assad.

Last weekend, Turkish tanks, armoured vehicles and troops gathered in the western sector of the border between Turkey and Syria and exchanged fire with Al Qaeda’s Hay’at Tahrir Al Sham, a coalition headed by Jabhat Fatah Al Sham (formerly Jabhat Al Nusra).

Ankara is deploying Syrian insurgents belonging to the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA), allegedly, to defeat Jabhat and its allies who refused to sign onto the plan, agreed by Russia, Iran and Turkey, to impose a ceasefire ...

[BlackVeil]

This is the latest turn in the intrigues over Syria. Turkey used to be allied with the US and Israel, in supporting regime change in Syria. That changed suddenly, at the time of the attempted coup in Turkey. Now, Turkey supports only one faction of insurgents, and has closed the border to all Syrians. Also, the rise of Kurdish nationalism is most annoying to Turkey, and they want to cut that off, rather than pouring resources into Syrian rebels.

[zeestephen]

Re: “Turkey used to be allied with the US and Israel, in supporting regime change in Syria.”

I do not agree that Israel supported regime change in Syria.

My impression is that both the Israeli Right and Left were comfortable with a prolonged Cold War with Bashar Assad.

Obviously, Assad's logistical support of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is a stressful military issue and a clear danger to the Israeli public.

On the other hand, it's also my impression that the Israeli Right and Left recognize that Assad lives in a very dangerous neighborhood, and without a Syria-Iran alliance, Assad would have a very short life.

Bottom Line - the price of Iran's friendship with Assad is that Assad must continue to support Hezbollah.

[DIRTYSECRET]

Bang for the buck: WHAT should we do?

[BlackVeil]

My impression is that both the Israeli Right and Left were comfortable with a prolonged Cold War with Bashar Assad.

Yes, I think they were, and the IDF also. But the Israeli govt took up a very adventurist policy in regard to Syria - of regime change, and support for the very group, Al Nusra, which is now being targetted by Turkey.

[Bobalu]

Turkey is an unreliable partner and rapidly moving toward being an enemy of the US.

Turkey was once very reliable and a bastion of freedom within the ME...but no more :-/

Ataturk is spinning in his grave.

[BlackVeil]

Turkey is an unreliable partner and rapidly moving toward being an enemy of the US.

Yes, there are some deep intrigues going on. Turkey at present is lining up with Iran, and the Gulf States are split by the Saudi/Qatar rift.

[BlackVeil]

Turkey is an unreliable partner and rapidly moving toward being an enemy of the US.

Yes, there are some deep intrigues going on. Turkey at present is lining up with Iran, and the Gulf States are split by the Saudi/Qatar rift.

[zeestephen]

Re: “...the Israeli govt took up a very adventurist policy in regard to Syria - of regime change...”

Perhaps I have not followed this story closely enough?

I can't recall that Netanyahu ever publicly supported the overthrow of Assad, or that he ever publicly expressed support for Al Nusra, which I thought was a jihadist group.

From day one of this war, which started more than five years ago, no political groups and no political leaders have emerged that any honest person could claim would be an improvement over Assad.

[BlackVeil]

It is a controversial policy, and they keep quiet about it. However, the Israeli govt has called for regime change in Syria, and also has offered military help, and medical aid, to the rebels.

Israel wants ‘butcher’ Assad ousted, Liberman says

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-wants-butcher-assad-ousted-liberman-says/

http://www.newsweek.com/israeli-minister-it-time-assassinate-syrias-bashar-al-assad-609848

[zeestephen]

Re: “WHAT should we do?”

USA: Not many choices. Kill as many Al Qaeda and ISIS troops as possible. Once it looks like Assad can survive, just walk away.

Israel: Tell Assad that Israel is willing to accept another 17 years of Cold Peace with Assad as the Syrian leader, but tell Assad he MUST begin to dial back his support for Hezbollah.

Both plans are probably dead on arrival, but the alternative is multiple armed groups, occupying multiple areas inside Syria, possibly for multiple decades into the future.

[txnativegop]

then what should happen is to lay absolute waste to Syria, if it is native to Syria, eradicate it.

harsh but effective.

[BlackVeil]

From day one of this war, which started more than five years ago, no political groups and no political leaders have emerged that any honest person could claim would be an improvement over Assad.

100% correct.

[zeestephen]

Thanks for the two links.

I had not realized that two cabinet members had spoken like that.

However, both ministers reference the alleged use of chemical weapons by Assad.

So far, all the “evidence” against Assad has come from anti-Assad military groups and anti-Assad “observer” groups.

The United Nations has investigated all but one or two reports of chemical weapons.

The found traces of chemical weapons at two locations, but they could not determine which side had used them.

[SunkenCiv]

Last weekend, Turkish tanks, armoured vehicles and troops gathered in the western sector of the border between Turkey and Syria and exchanged fire with Al Qaeda’s Hay’at Tahrir Al Sham, a coalition headed by Jabhat Fatah Al Sham (formerly Jabhat Al Nusra). Ankara is deploying Syrian insurgents belonging to the... Free Syrian Army (FSA)... to defeat Jabhat and its allies who refused to sign onto the plan, agreed by Russia, Iran and Turkey, to impose a ceasefire...

Thanks BlackVeil.