Civilians Killed in Northern Syria Missile Attack

Image copyright: AFP [via Al Jazeera]

The Spin

Narrative A

Though any civilian casualties are tragic, Turkey is not trying to annex Syrian land, go to war with Assad, or harm the Syrian people. Any military offensive taken by Turkey is in an attempt to free both Turkey and the Syrian population from Kurdish terrorists.

Narrative B

Turkish neo-Ottoman expansionism is in full throttle. Turkey has military assets engaged in the Levant, Horn of Africa, Caucasus, and North Africa and is eager to expand its presence even further. When interacting with powers in the region, Ankara is primarily focused on protecting and promoting its own interests, while also casting itself in the role of regional supervisor for others.


Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!