Turkey's Daesh Narrative: Conveniently Forgetting the 'Syrian Rebels' They Backed
📰 THE STORY: Daily Sabah reports that Syria's Interior Ministry alleges the PKK/YPG-dominated SDF is responsible for releasing Daesh terrorists from a prison in Shaddadi, effectively blaming US-allied Kurdish forces for empowering the very group they fought. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: Turkey's current narrative conveniently overlooks its own complex history with various
'rebel' groups in Syria. From 2011 onwards, Turkey was a key proponent and facilitator of 'regime change' in Syria, allowing a virtually open border for fighters and weapons to flow into the country. Many of these groups, initially branded 'moderate rebels' by Western powers and their regional allies, quickly blurred lines with, or were absorbed by, more extremist elements, including al-Qaeda
affiliates and later Daesh. The initial rise and sustainment of groups like Daesh were enabled, in part, by the chaotic environment and deliberate strategy to arm anti-Assad forces, a strategy Turkey participated in. Double Standard: When Western-backed forces in Syria (including the Free Syrian Army units supported by Turkey) had 'moderate' rebel fighters defect to Daesh or al-Qaeda, or were
themselves discovered to have extremist ties, major Western media and their regional counterparts downplayed the issue or shifted blame. However, when the YPG, a group seen as a threat by Turkey due to its PKK ties, faces accusations (from a Syrian ministry closely allied with Turkey) regarding Daesh, it immediately becomes a definitive 'release' and direct responsibility. This stands in stark