Why Turkey is invading Syria

Summary

The video script details the complex geopolitical situation in Syria, particularly focusing on Turkey's military operations and the establishment of a 'safe zone' in Northeast Syria. Starting with the backdrop of Syria's descent into conflict in 2011, the script outlines the rise of ISIS and the subsequent formation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which received US support. It then delves into Turkey's concerns about Kurdish influence, the PKK's role, and President Erdoğan's strategic moves to counter Kurdish expansion. The economic and political pressures in Turkey, including the refugee crisis and Erdoğan's declining popularity, are highlighted. The summary explains the concept of the safe zone, its proposed purpose, and the international response. It concludes with the US withdrawal from Syria, Turkey's subsequent invasion, and the ensuing chaos, including the potential escape of ISIS prisoners and the emerging power vacuum being filled by new alliances and forces.

Takeaways

• 🇹🇷 Turkey launched an invasion into northern Syria on October 9th, 2019, initiating a military operation to create a 'safe zone'.
• 💥 The invasion led to significant civilian displacement, with an estimated 160,000 people fleeing the conflict in the border area.
• 🔄 Turkey's push into Syria is part of a long-standing desire to establish control over a strip of land in Northeast Syria to serve as a buffer zone.
• ⚔️ The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, created a power vacuum that allowed ISIS to establish a stronghold in the north.
• 🛡️ Kurdish militias, with the support of the US, formed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and successfully pushed back against ISIS, establishing a Kurdish-led territory.
• 🏭 The SDF set up prisons for captured ISIS fighters and camps for displaced ISIS family members, while US military bases were established in the region.
• 🧐 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan views the rise of the Kurds as a threat due to the activities of the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group in Turkey.
• 🔄 Erdoğan has launched multiple attacks on Kurds in Syria, aiming to prevent Kurdish expansion and the potential spread of Kurdish autonomy aspirations to Turkey.
• 📉 Economic troubles in Turkey, including a trade war with the US and high unemployment, led to a rise in resentment towards Syrian refugees and a decline in Erdoğan's popularity.
• 🗳️ Political pressure and election losses for Erdoğan's party prompted a renewed push for the establishment of the safe zone to regain political favor.
• 🤝 After failed attempts to gain international support, Erdoğan used the withdrawal of US troops as an opportunity to invade northeastern Syria, leading to further destabilization and chaos.
• 🔄 The power vacuum created by the US withdrawal and Turkey's invasion has led to new alliances and deals, including one between the Kurds and the Syrian government, affecting the future of Syria.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of Turkey's invasion of northern Syria?

The invasion began with Turkish airstrikes on October 9th, 2019.

What is the estimated number of civilians who have fled the fighting in the border area?

At least 160,000 civilians are believed to have fled the fighting.

What is the so-called 'safe zone' that Turkey has wanted to establish in Syria?

The 'safe zone' is a strip of land in Northeast Syria that Turkey wants to turn into a buffer area, allegedly for moving Syrian refugees.

How did the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) contribute to the fight against ISIS?

The SDF, with the backing of the US, successfully fought against ISIS, pushing them back and breaking their stronghold in the north.

Why does Turkey view the rise of the Kurds in Syria as a threat?

Turkey sees the rise of the Kurds as a threat due to the activities of the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group in Turkey that has fought for Kurdish autonomy for decades.

What was the first major Turkish military operation against the Kurds in Syria?

The first major operation was in 2016 when Turkish troops attacked northwest Syria to push back ISIS and block Kurdish expansion along the border.

How has the economic situation in Turkey affected public opinion regarding the Syrian refugee crisis?

As Turkey's economy slumped, unemployment increased, and many Turks began to disapprove of President Erdoğan and resent the influx of Syrian refugees.

What was the political impact of the local elections in March 2019 on President Erdoğan?

Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party lost 11 mayoral seats, and the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party won 8 mayoral seats, reflecting a significant discomfort with the president.

What was the proposed depth and length of the 'peace corridor' that Erdoğan wanted to establish in Syria?

Erdoğan proposed a peace corridor with a depth of 30km and a length of 480km.

What was the US's stance on the safe zone agreement with Turkey prior to the withdrawal of troops?

The US agreed to a safe zone that they would patrol together with Turkey, extending 5km into northern Syria.

How did the withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria impact the region?

The withdrawal created a power vacuum, leading to Turkey's invasion, increased chaos, and the potential for hundreds of ISIS fighters to escape from unguarded prisons.

What new alliance has emerged as a result of the US withdrawal and Turkey's invasion?

The Kurds have made a deal with Syria's President and Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a shift in power dynamics in the region.