Turkey has reportedly tricked the US into a false alliance, resulting in significant gains for ISIS. The country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, convinced the US to establish a ‘safe zone’ along the Syria-Turkey border. This zone, ostensibly to protect Syrian civilians and moderate Syrian rebels, has instead been used to attack the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) – Turkey’s real target. The US was led to believe that Turkey would fight ISIS, but it appears that the country has instead been focusing on its own agenda.
Meanwhile, ISIS has capitalised on this situation, seizing more territory and increasing its power. The group has also been able to recruit more fighters from around the world, with Turkey’s borders remaining suspiciously porous. The situation has been further complicated by the fact that Turkey is a member of NATO, meaning the US and other NATO members must tread carefully in their dealings with the country.
In the midst of this, Turkey’s actions have led to greater instability in the region, with the Kurds – one of the most effective forces against ISIS – now having to fight on two fronts. This has weakened their ability to combat ISIS, creating a situation that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
Go to source article: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/turkey-duped-the-us-and-isis-reaps-rewards-10478720.html