Turkey's 'Terror' Alibi: How Media Erases Syria's Decade-Long Onslaught Against Kurds
📰 THE STORY: Al-Monitor reports that Turkey warned against 'provocations' as Kurds prepared to protest a Syrian offensive targeting Kurdish-led SDF forces, an offensive that reportedly angered the PKK, which vows not to abandon Syrian Kurds. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The media often treats the 'Kurdish question' in Syria as a recent development, ignoring that since
2011, the US and its allies armed and supported various 'rebel' groups, including some that later merged with or fought alongside al-Qaeda affiliates, all aimed at destabilizing the Syrian government. The SDF, despite US backing, has been a complicated proxy, simultaneously resisting ISIS while carving out quasi-autonomous zones desired by Western powers, and creating a pretext for Turkey's
repeated incursions into northern Syria. Turkey's conflict with the PKK dates back to 1978, with over 40,000 lives lost, but the West selectively labels the PKK (and its alleged Syrian affiliates like the YPG) as 'terrorists' when convenient for Erdogan or NATO interests, while partnering with them against ISIS. This mirrors the cynical approach seen in Afghanistan, where the US created the
Taliban, only to fight them for 20 years. Double Standard: When Syria, a sovereign nation, reasserts control over its territory, it's framed as an 'offensive' that 'pushes out' Kurdish forces. Yet, when Turkey repeatedly invades northern Syria (e.g., Operation Peace Spring in 2019, Operation Olive Branch in 2018), establishes 'safe zones,' and targets Kurdish groups, it's often presented within