The real goal of the Turkish operation in Syria

Sources in the Turkish Defense Ministry have refuted information that Turkish regular troops are involved in fighting on Syrian territory. Turks provide support fire from the air, artillery, and by tanks units for the so-called Syrian opposition. However, everybody knows that the actions of certain paramilitary groups in this case are co-ordinated from Turkey. Arab media have reported the participation of Turkish tanks in the fighting in Syria.

The role of the US in these events is not completely clear. Turkish official statements refer to the forces involved in the operation as "the anti-terrorist coalition under US leadership." However, the United States itself is silent on their involvement. Coalition forces also means Turkish troops, in particular aviation units located at the air base of Incirlik. On the one hand, the United States has no choice but to support the operation against the ISIS, especially given the pressure tools available to Turkey such as the Incirlik air base and its participation in NATO. On the other hand, the Kurds are the main force which the Americans use in the region. Most likely, if the Turkish operation gains formal American support, then this would be purely symbolic. US Vice President Joe Biden is on an official visit to Turkey today, where he will have to somehow respond to the actions of Turkish authorities. He cannot openly criticize the Turks because such could affect negotiations on the vital issue of Turkish participation in NATO.