What should be Turkey's next move with ISIS?

2014-10-01T12:20:44-04:00

Turkey may no longer be a bystander in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). On Tuesday, the Turkish government sought a mandate from Parliament to expand cross-border military operations into Iraq and Syria. This week Parliament will vote on whether or not to authorize it, as Turkish soldiers and tanks position themselves along the border with Syria.

It’s not clear whether Turkey would immediately send in ground troops or conduct airstrikes over Syria. However, even though Parliament is likely to approve the mandate, the government will most likely not authorize ground troops without an internationally backed no-fly zone in northern Syria. The White House is said to be considering a no-fly zone.

Until now, Turkey has had a less active military role against ISIS. Given it shares a 560-mile border with Syria, Turkey has to put more focus on ISIS controlling border points. Since ISIS besieged Kobani last week, more than 160,000 Kurdish refugees have poured into the country, according the semiofficial Anadolu News Agency. Kobani is a Syrian border town, and Turkey can’t ignore the fact ISIS fighters are at its front door steps.

Turkish leaders have already shown support in the United States-led operations against the militant group, but the push for this mandate is the first proactive military move. Should Parliament authorize Turkish troops on the ground? If it comes to the no-fly zone, should the U.S. back a no-fly zone in northern Syria? What else can the U.S. and other NATO members do to eliminate Turkey’s hesitation with combat force?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-10-01T12:27:21-04:00

They need to get actively involved in the fight against ISIS despite releasing their hostages.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Oct 1 at 2014 2:42 PM

2014-10-01T14:42:17-04:00

With that much border in common, they can take a stand right now, or they will be forced into a corner later. If it was me, I would take a position (either one really...just make a stand). Those that get caught sitting on the fence are playing both sides and will often get burned in the end. Right, Wrong, or Indifferent, they need to pick a side. Degree of active or not so active is up to them.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Oct 1 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-10-01T15:14:26-04:00

I can't figure which way Turkey will go. As a predominantly Muslim country, if they tackle ISIS, it puts a major dent in ISIS' propaganda claim that they're fighting to protect Islam. It would also open the door for discord within Turkeys own population. Turkey and the Kurds don't have the best track record for harmony either. So 160,000 refugees is not likely to set all that well.
That being said, if Turkey decides to "saddle up and roll in", look out for some real fireworks. I'm not qualified or educated enough to evaluate the Turkish military per se, but historically the Turkish fighting man is a no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall warrior. The Chinese and North Koreans discovered that in the Korean conflict. With a bit of good fortune, we could see Turkey becoming the "benevolent big brother' in the region. Certainly the Arab world would be more amenable to the influence of another Muslim power as opposed to western influence. Turkey hasn't always been our "best" friend, but they've always been a friend.
Just to add an afterthought, If we left Turkey alone to settle things with Assad it will be a conflict between two muslim countries. At the same time, since Turkey shares a border with Iraq also, it will give Iran a reason to reassess just how belligerent they wish to be. Iraq and Iran beat each other to a standstill some years back. Iran has to consider Turkey and Iraq joining forces against them and putting them in their place. I would think that is a nightmare the mullahs don't wish to see........Just a thought....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-10-01T15:14:26-04:00

This situation is getting out of control and more dangerous every day. As MAJ Keith Young points out, the what ifs and second and third order effects of intervention by any interested third party are particulary dangerous. From my perspective, going to war with ISIS will be ineffective without going to war with Assad at the same time. Destroying ISIS helps the Assad regime. Destroying the Assad regime helps ISIS. Destroying both helps us and Iraq. And don't forget how destroying ISIS also helps Iran and Russia. But then, you need to remember that part of the Powell Doctrine that says "If you break it, you buy it." There is no acceptable and effective group ready to rule Syria and we clearly are not ready, able or willing to do the job ourselves. Turkey is in a tight spot because the danger is at their doorstep and they have no effective response. We saw how NATO airstrikes helped remove Gaddafi from power but then Libya devolved into borderline anarchy with tribal fighting. I see the potential for a similar outcome in Syria. To effectively destroy ISIS a gound war seems necessary, but I don't think the Free Syrian Army is up to the task in Syria. Rolling ISIS back in Iraq will be long and costly and it still only solves half the problem, so all options are really starting to suck. A No Fly Zone will get interesting when Russia and Iran try to resupply Assad and it won't do much at all to stop Assad or ISIS from continuing the fight. Turkey should participate in the bombing campaign I think, but as of right now the only permanent solution to stopping ISIS that I can see working is a massive and protracted NATO combined arms fight. But I don't think the American people or our NATO allies have the stomach for such a fight. At least not until ISIS bombs start going off in our homelands.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 1 at 2014 5:30 PM

2014-10-01T17:30:46-04:00

Do we, the American people, really want Turkey to send troops into Syria? Does anyone remember any history?

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Oct 1 at 2014 7:20 PM

2014-10-01T19:20:42-04:00

I wonder if they will handle ISIS the same way as they did N Korea and Chinese? My Uncle told me stories from the Korean War

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 10:36 PM

2014-10-01T22:36:28-04:00

We need to cut isis by the head before they grow stronger. If not i can forsee internal terror attacks. They have been recruiting for years on social media.who knows how many terror cells are just next door. And we're oblivious to whats going on. There has already been a decapitation for isis in the us. They are trying to appeal to the young generation to revolt. We need to drop the hammer. Pick up a chainsaw and tear them apart.Drop 3rd ID, rangers, and marines. They will make sure that each american that was killed will be payed back 10 fold. They will unleash hell on earth.

Response by PO3 Anthony Farhner made Oct 1 at 2014 10:56 PM

2014-10-01T22:56:40-04:00

Fortify their border with Syria and go on a internal manhunt for those that are affiliated or want to be affiliated with ISIS.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 1 at 2014 11:57 PM

2014-10-01T23:57:56-04:00

Let's bomb Iraq with shredded bbq pork and nudie pics. Then crop dust with ever clear

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Oct 2 at 2014 1:15 AM

2014-10-02T01:15:10-04:00

Turkey is pretty much a non-aggressive ally of ISIS. They have repeatedly stated that they would not get involved in dealing with them, and have moved over the years to be more Islamic and less allied to NATO, Europe, and the United States. They have refused to allow usage of NATO bases, and during the war with Iraq, refused to allow us to stage units there to enter the battle. At this point I would even be reluctant to consider Turkey an ally.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 10:36 AM

2014-10-02T10:36:46-04:00

It looks like Turkey may be getting more serious about the situation with a vote from their parliament happening soon. The refugee crisis they face is getting worse by the day. The Suleyman Shah Tomb seems to be a very real symbolic issue for the Turks also. I have a feeling we might see limited engagement by the Turks, but primarily to protect their border and safeguard both refugees and their tomb. I woun't really expect them to go all in to defeat ISIS.

Turkish lawmakers OK military action against ISIS - CNN.com

Turkish lawmakers voted Thursday to authorize military force against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, joining a growing international coalition.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 2 at 2014 8:32 PM

2014-10-02T20:32:48-04:00

I certainly feel that we should do whatever we can do to help engage the countries in that region that are wanting to participate in a positive direction. Personally I feel that the us has acted as an enabler in this region far to long. ISIS may just be the catalyst needed for the people to finally put an end to the extremist ideology that has been festering and proliferating for far to long.