U.S. strikes Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria to retaliate for attacks on U.S. troops
CBSAUG 2023
US Downs Turkish Drone as Ankara Strikes Northeast Syria
Image copyright:Â dia images via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Yet again, Ankara's reckless behavior in Syria is threatening the safety of US forces stationed there. The US and the SDF have a strong relationship based on shared interests, namely preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State group. Turkey, which tolerated IS on its borders, has no right to kill civilians and destroy infrastructure in northeast Syria.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though Turkey has always been clear that it values a strong relationship with the US, it should be no surprise to Washington that Turkey will respond to terror attacks with force. The PKK, a terrorist group, has taken over vast swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq, partially with the support of Turkey's NATO ally. Given its strategy of terror, Turkey must respond by neutralizing PKK targets wherever they are.