The Obama administration has assiduously avoided US military engagement in Syria. President Barack Obama is wary of the pottery barn rule: “You break it, you own it.” Supporting Turkey’s invasion and occupation of Syria would be a strategic mistake, making the United States a protagonist in Syria’s civil war.
Vice President Joe Biden went to Ankara last week on a mission to repair US-Turkey relations. Upon arrival, Biden learned that Turkish Special Forces, tanks, and fighters with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were invading Syria, targeting Jarablus near the Turkish border.
Biden endorsed Turkey’s “Operation Euphrates Shield.” He also claimed that the US provided air power. However, eyewitnesses say no bombs were actually dropped on Jarablus.
Slipping into Syria’s quagmire is not in America’s interest. Nor is being played by Turkey.
Operation Euphrates Shield violates Syria’s sovereignty. Supporting Turkey would make the US complicit in Turkey’s land grab.