TRT World Research Centre hosted a joint roundtable meeting with the Conference of Security and Defence Institute in Ottawa, Canada to discuss Operation Olive Branch’s security and political implications for Turkey, the future of Syria and their relations with relevant powers.
-Talip Küçükcan, Professor and Member of Parliament of the Republic of Turkey
-Resul Serdar Ataş, Director of News and Programmes at TRT El Arabia
On 20th January 2018, Turkey announced the start of “Operation Olive Branch”, which they are conducting with the Free Syrian Army, in Afrin, Syria.
Turkish authorities stated that the aim of the operation is to establish security and stability along its southern border, through neutralising PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh in the region. Turkey has also stated that it aims to save the people of the region from the oppression and persecution of terrorist groups.
Operation Olive Branch is considered as a continuation of Turkey’s previous military operation against Daesh in Syria’s cities of Jarablus, Azaz and al-Bab.
Operation Olive Branch will undoubtedly have crucial implications, not only for the future of Syria, but also for Ankara’s relations with Washington and Moscow. This meeting discussed the Operation’s security and political implications for Turkey, the future of Syria and their relations with relevant powers.
