Operation Olive Branch

The Turkish incursion of Syria has only added to the Middle East conundrum as clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish militia in Syria’s Afrin region are raging resulting in at least 70 deaths. That Turkey was left with no option but to launch the Operation Olive Branch is a fact. Any suggestion that Ankara has broader designs in Syria beyond pushing the YPG back from the border, is therefore not appropriated. Although Turkey and rebel allies have so far captured 11 villages and the strategic Barsaya hill, advancing fighters are facing fierce resistance from YPG fighters holed up in the mountains, in spite of Turkey’s massive firepower.

Be that as it may, Ankara is required to withdraw from Syria’s land as soon as possible. In the meantime, the US must not add to the Syria conundrum through its support to proxies.

ISLAMABAD NAHID KHAN