Last week in Turkey: Idlib, the beginning of a new war?

The martyring of the 36 Turkish soldiers in Idlib by the Syrian forces, has delivered a strong impact to the regional cooperation.

Turkish Armed Forces has responded to this treacherous attack with different military operations.

Turkish Defense Minister in his statement, has accused the Syrian government and has send a message to Moscow by using the following words; “We do not aim to clash with Russia. Our only aim is to stop the Syrian Regime’s massacres, the radical groups, the displacement of the civilians”

President Erdogan has also made a statement about the martyring of the Turkish soldiers; “We do not need anybody’s aid or support and we will continue our operations on our own.”

After the speeches of the Turkish authorities, Turkish Armed Forces had started an operation called “Bahar Kalkanı” (Spring Shield) against the PKK/PYD and the Syrian Forces.

The political tension is strongly high in Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during their phone conversation have agreed to meet at 5th of March.

Turkey have 2 main reason on the persistence on Idlib;

1. Turkey has already 4 million Syrians within its borders. The possibility of a new wave of migration from Idlib is a big economic, social and security threat for Turkey.
2. PKK/PYD/YPG terrorist organizations are continuing their activities in the North of Syria. Turkey does not want to leave Syria before these groups stop their activities.

If Moscow wants to keep Turkey as an ally, the Russian authorities have to understand the Ankara’s concerns and also take the necessary precautions for these kind of attacks against the Turkish soldiers, for not to be repeated again.

Idlib is like an open wound. The countries of region have to sit together and find some mutual political-military solutions to heal this wound.

Otherwise, the US and the NATO could use the military conflict between Ankara and Damascus to intervene in Syria.

In our region, the only solution is the regional alliance.

In this context, the meeting of March 5th, between President Erdogan and President Putin has a historical importance.