President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan yesterday announced Operation Peace Spring ostensibly to counter PKK/YPG, Kurd Muslim groups fighting for a homeland and also against the Islamic State militants.
He also claimed that ‘Our mission is to prevent the creation of a terror corridor across our southern border and to bring peace to the area. Operation Peace Spring will neutralize terror threats against Turkey and lead to the establishment of a safe zone, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homes. We will preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and liberate local communities from terrorists.’
But today after world-wide condemnation he used the refugee crisis to browbeat Europe.
So much for Operation that is for ‘peace.’
Erdogan threatened Europe saying he would “open the doors” for 3.6 million Syrian refugees residing in Turkey and that they will then seek shelter in Europe, should EU members attack him for this act of war.
The Turkish strongman had along with Malaysian and Pakistani Prime Minister announced the opening of a news channel to fight Islamophobia.
Turkish President has also been raking up Kashmir along with Malaysia and Pakistan but without any success.
India has also expressed deep concerns at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria and said that ‘Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism. Its action also has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress.
We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
We urge the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion.’
But like always, the most boisterous remarks came from US President Donald Trump who minced no words when he said that Erdogan’s Turkey has planned this attack on Kurdish Muslims for long. But added economic sanctions are his besties in taming the Erdogen’s Turkey:
Trump said:
Turkey has been planning to attack the Kurds for a long time. They have been fighting forever. We have no soldiers or Military anywhere near the attack area. I am trying to end the ENDLESS WARS. Talking to both sides. Some want us to send tens of thousands of soldiers to the area and start a new war all over again. Turkey is a member of NATO. Others say STAY OUT, let the Kurds fight their own battles (even with our financial help). I say hit Turkey very hard financially & with sanctions if they don’t play by the rules! I am watching closely.
