Turkish leader seeking internal, external influence: Expert
Press TV has conducted an interview with William Jones, with the Executive Intelligence Review from Leesburg, to ask for his insights into Turkish policies in the Middle East.
The following is a rough transcription of the interview.
Press TV: What would be the political ramifications of Turkey extending its military mandate in Iraq and Syria?
Jones: Obviously, this is further incursion in destabilizing the entire region. Turkey of course is interesting in expanding its influence and in also expanding the region to prevent the Kurds from having victories over ISIS (ISIL). So, they’ve got their own agenda that they’re playing. I think there’s also still a wish by Erdogan becoming something of the Sultan of the area harkening back to the Ottoman empire. And I think that’s part of the Turkey moves, they’re being played out today.
Press TV: How much can this is related to the upcoming elections in Turkey?
Jones: Well, this is the big game in town. What’s going to happen to Erdogan and to Erdogan’s party during the elections. Now, he’s taking every measure to paint the Kurds ..., not only those who are in the PKK and the ones that he’s carrying out military operations against, but also by extension to those who are in the elections, the Kurdish parties that are running in the elections. And he hopes by painting the Kurds with a black paint, he will also diminish their influence and perhaps win back significant majority in the next election. Of course, it’s a very risky game since Erdogan’s credibility also is not what it used to be after the last few months of his machinations.
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