​​​​​​​International press: Erdogan exploits the Ukrainian war to launch attack on Syria    

On Thursday morning, international newspapers touched upon Turkish efforts to occupy other parts of Syria.

While the world watches Ukraine, Turkey prepares for incursion into Syria

Turkey is preparing for another large-scale incursion into northern Syria, in what would be its fifth major military offensive against its southern neighbor in six years.

Senior officials and analysts close to the government in Ankara say the new process is likely to start in the coming weeks, with the hope of concluding it before the June 29 NATO summit in Madrid.

The possible military operation comes at a geopolitical moment particularly suitable for Erdogan. Russia, which is a major military and political power in Syria, has had to redirect its attention and resources toward its ongoing offensive against Ukraine.

Turkey provided some crucial diplomatic and military support to the campaign to defend Ukraine, and gained some support from the West even while maintaining cordial relations with Moscow - a balancing act that puts Ankara in a wooing position on both sides of the conflict.

“Erdogan seems to believe he now has the ability to force concessions,” said Nicholas Danforth, a Turkey specialist at the Greek Foundation for European and Foreign Policy. “In Syria, he is trying to maneuver between the United States and Russia to make room for more attack.”

T/S

ANHA