Turkey's 'Pivotal Position': The West's Convenient Amnesia on Syria
📰 THE STORY: The New Arab analyzes Turkey's significant influence in the ongoing conflict between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), particularly highlighting how Turkey's backing of Damascus strengthens the Syrian government's hand against the US-backed SDF. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The media narrative consistently frames the Syrian conflict
from 2011 onwards, ignoring how US and NATO allies actively funded, armed, and facilitated extremist groups, including those aligned with Al-Qaeda, in Syria since at least 2012, under the guise of supporting 'moderate rebels' against Assad. This directly fueled the chaos that empowered groups like the SDF and provided Turkey with its 'pivotal position.' Double Standard: Western media often
condemns Turkey's military actions in Syria, particularly against the Kurdish-led SDF, as destabilizing. Yet, the same outlets largely downplay or outright ignore the US's own illegal military presence in Syria, its seizure of Syrian oil fields, and its crippling sanctions regime that has caused widespread starvation (e.g., sanctioning fuel imports which impacts humanitarian aid and basic
services). When Turkey acts in its perceived national interest, it's 'destabilizing'; when the US does, it's 'counter-terrorism' or 'democracy promotion.' Follow the Money: The 'Syria-SDF conflict' is a lucrative venture for the US military-industrial complex and regional proxies. US arms manufacturers have seen billions in contracts related to the Syrian conflict. Furthermore, Turkey's 'pivotal