Why Limited Syria Strike Could Hurt Turkey

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  "authors": [
    "Sinan Ülgen"
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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
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  "collections": [
    "Turkey’s Transformation",
    "Europe’s Southern Neighborhood"
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In The Media

Carnegie Europe

Why Limited Syria Strike Could Hurt Turkey

There are serious concerns in Ankara that Turkey’s security could be put at risk by a U.S.-led strike that is too limited in scope.

By Sinan Ülgen

Published on Sep 11, 2013

Source: CNN GPS

Democracy can get in the way of a good war in the Middle East, a reality underscored by the diminishing U.S. public support for intervention in Syria. But the ongoing discussions in Washington over how to respond to Syria’s alleged use of chemical weapons aren’t just being watched closely in Washington and Damascus. In Turkey – Syria’s neighbor and in the vanguard of the struggle against the al-Assad regime – the outcome of deliberations on an attack are critical. Indeed, while the West looks increasingly wary of military action, there are serious concerns in Ankara that Turkey’s security could be put at risk by a U.S.-led strike that is too limited in scope.

Turkey has diligently defended the idea of regime change in Syria prior to the alleged chemical weapons attack. Having rightfully desisted from a unilateral intervention, Turkey has focused its efforts on strengthening the opposition.

The full text of this article can be read on CNN GPS.

About the Author

Sinan Ülgen

Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe

Sinan Ülgen is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, where his research focuses on Turkish foreign policy, transatlantic relations, international trade, economic security, and digital policy.

Recent Work

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Reforming European Security: A Turkish Perspective
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- Sinan Ülgen

Security Military Middle East Europe Türkiye Levant Syria

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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