Deconflicting in Syria: Turkey's Idlib Operation 

In early October, Turkey deployed its forces to establish a presence in Syria’s Idlib province. The deployment aims to establish a de-conflict zone in Idlib as part of a deal reached at negotiations in Astana between Turkey, Russia, and Iran. In addition to limiting conflict between the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army in Idlib and the Assad regime, Turkey has also characterized the operation as an effort to prevent further expansion by the PYD in northern Syria. 

The US has remained skeptical about the Astana process, particularly over Iran's involvement as a guarantor. While the US said that it would not provide tangible support for Turkey’s operation in Idlib, the Department of Defense said that the US supports Turkey’s efforts to secure its borders against terror groups such as Al Qaeda. At the same time, the US continues to partner with the PYD in northern Syria, a long-standing point of contention in the US-Turkey relationship.

Please join the SETA Foundation at Washington DC for a timely discussion on this crucial issue in the Syrian conflict and what Turkey’s operation in Idlib means for US-Turkey relations.

Speakers: 

Luke Coffey, Director, Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy, The Heritage Foundation

Kadir Ustun, Executive Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC

Nidal Betare, Director of Programs, People Demand Change

Moderated by Kilic Kanat, Research Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC