Turkey is not stopping. The Syrian and Iranian forces are paralyzed without Russian air cover. Lots of myths and bad takes are being destroyed in northwestern Syria
A mere week ago, Turkey seemed on the way out in Syria. At least to some observers. Now it’s not just keeping its presence. When this is over, Turkey might get more than it had before, in terms of lasting deals.
Yeah https://t.co/YgAEQdZa3p
Letting Aleppo fall in 2016 was one of Turkey’s biggest strategic mistakes.
Assad forces could not advance while the rebels were able to launch counter-offensive inside & around the city. After Aleppo, everything became easier for Assad, Iran & Russia https://t.co/hfEu0ebJZQ
Assad forces could not advance while the rebels were able to launch counter-offensive inside & around the city. After Aleppo, everything became easier for Assad, Iran & Russia https://t.co/hfEu0ebJZQ
Let’s not get carried away. Turkey is trying to bring the situation in Idlib back to the status quo ante, to Sochi deal. No countering Iran or getting rid of Assad. Turkey will return to its previous mode as a Russia partner once it achieves that goal. Let’s be specific:
1/2
1/2
2/2 the big deal here is that Turkey is not standing down and letting Assad & Russia drive it out of Syria.
That’s, yes, a big deal, as explained above👆🏻. It wasn’t expected.
The best outcome will be to make that status quo more durable/stable.
But that is it.
That’s, yes, a big deal, as explained above👆🏻. It wasn’t expected.
The best outcome will be to make that status quo more durable/stable.
But that is it.
I keep referring to this thread, but it was written before the tide turned and when many observers were expecting Assad & Russia were unstoppable in Idlib.
https://t.co/SniB4cfwZo
https://t.co/SniB4cfwZo
It's over:
BREAKING — Turkey, Russia reach agreement on Idlib; details soon to be made public during Erdoğan-Putin joint press conference: sources
sabahdai.ly/_556
BREAKING — Turkey, Russia reach agreement on Idlib; details soon to be made public during Erdoğan-Putin joint press conference: sources
sabahdai.ly/_556
This is from Daily Sabah, not me:
"BREAKING — Turkey, Russia reach agreement on Idlib; details soon to be made public during Erdoğan-Putin joint press conference: sources"
"BREAKING — Turkey, Russia reach agreement on Idlib; details soon to be made public during Erdoğan-Putin joint press conference: sources"
Earlier, Turkish soldiers were serving traditional Arabic coffee at checkpoints. This can also indicate an act of revenge (for the soldiers killed by the Syrian regime) has been fulfilled. In traditions, coffee pots are turned until revenge is taken.
Or it was just random.
Or it was just random.
BREAKING
Erdogan:
• we had to act to prevent the regime’s attacks in Idlib
• a ceasefire starts this midnight
• we agreed to work even closer
• help refugees return to their homes
• Turkey reserves right to respond to any attack
• abiding by Sochi agreement
Erdogan:
• we had to act to prevent the regime’s attacks in Idlib
• a ceasefire starts this midnight
• we agreed to work even closer
• help refugees return to their homes
• Turkey reserves right to respond to any attack
• abiding by Sochi agreement
BREAKING
Lavrov reading Russia statement
• Russia-Turkey MOU affirms the territorial integrity of Syria
• crisis should be prevented
• help civilians without any discrimination
• stop all hostilities along the existing lines of contacts
Lavrov reading Russia statement
• Russia-Turkey MOU affirms the territorial integrity of Syria
• crisis should be prevented
• help civilians without any discrimination
• stop all hostilities along the existing lines of contacts
Putin & Erdogan agree to establish a 6km buffer zone along the M4 international highway in NW Syria, averting a two-week escalation between their two countries.
The two said they'll work even closer to stabilize the area, with Turkey reserving the right to respond to new attacks
The two said they'll work even closer to stabilize the area, with Turkey reserving the right to respond to new attacks
The big win for Russia: a Sochi 2.0, establishing new lines of contact different from previous ones prior to the recent regime offensive.
The big win for Turkey: ended Assad's offensive, this zone/deal could be more durable/lasting than original Sochi even if smaller.
The big win for Turkey: ended Assad's offensive, this zone/deal could be more durable/lasting than original Sochi even if smaller.
Yes indeed. Idlib is only important for Turkey in that it can preserve its presence in Syria in a viable way in the northern parts near the borders. This is more than good for Turkey. Till the next concession.
This is the agreement (memorandum of understanding) between Turkey and Russia, which goes into effect at midnight.
A 6km buffer along the M4 highway, and joint patrols.
From @ragipsoylu.
A 6km buffer along the M4 highway, and joint patrols.
From @ragipsoylu.
One word, and regardless of map details, #Turkey’s greatest achievement in the last two weeks or so is that it’s established a remarkable & new dynamic in the north west. Namely, this Idlib zone will be more lasting. No serious Syrian offensive in Idlib in the foreseeable future.
