I can't wait to see American fighter aircraft from Incirlic bombing and strafing Turkish forces.
1
I am not at all sure that it is true that Erdogan has fought ISIS; maybe the New York Times could examine this claim ? He has been quite happy to sit back and let the Kurds and Islamic State slug it out has been my impression. As for his claim that his were the first foreign ground troops to fight Islamic State that clearly ignores the important role that Iran and Hezbollah have played in neutralising a band of misfits, idealists and itinerant psycopaths from across Europe and the ME that used sexual slavery of women as a principle recruiting tool for IS. There is an origin in the English use of the word byzantine for the politics of the region; they are complicated beyond belief and inextricably linked to a range of divergent creeds and beliefs that include the great schism in Islam and many simplistic Crusaders have found their deaths here.......Blair was one and should have read TE Lawrence Seven Pillars of Wisdom before he embarked on his "mission". The trillions spent on war would have been better spent on decarbonising and funding indigenous renewable power and dealing with climate change instead of scrapping for the remnants of the oil resource and creating havoc in a region that certainly MacMillan and his generation understood very well why we were far better OUT..
3
Go away, Erdogan. You have no credibility here, and you’re not going to convince many Americans that you’re anything but a low-life bully and murderous authoritarian.
4
Anyone who believes anything Erdogan says regarding the Kurds is gullible. They are enabling him to carry out his planned extermination of Turkey's Kurdish population as well as the Kurds in Syria, where Erdogan has thousands of troops stationed. The Kurds are not "terrorists." They have been systematically imprisoned, disenfranchised and killed just for being Kurds. Their leaders from Turkish political parties are all in jail. Turkey under Erdogan has supplied Daesh (ISIS) with weaponry stolen from American military bases in Iraq and yes, they are actively killing Kurds AND U.S. soldiers. They treat injured Daesh fighters inside Turkey. They permit Daesh fighters the use of railroads that enter Turkey from Iraq. Turkey's MIT, their intelligence service, works openly and with impunity to provide Daesh fighters with ID documents in order to allow them safe passage throughout Syria and the region. Erdogan is threatening the entire Middle East because he thinks he is some kind of mythical Ottoman ruler. He is nothing more than a thug and a tyrant with billions of dollars of stolen oil money hidden in his family's coffers. He is a war criminal and should be in jail in The Hague, not spouting his theories in such a formidable and influential media. The Kurds have been documenting Turkish actions with videos ever since the war with Syria began. They are a sickening collection of war crimes and abuses by Turkish troops and citizens on their Kurdish minority.
6
In other words, "Don't worry, I won't try to wipe out the Kurds for daring to want autonomy and freedom." No one should believe this dictator; protect the Kurds.
4
Erdogan probably threatened to take away Trump's two hotels in Turkey if he did not take out the American troupes so Turkey could attach the Kurds without American interference.
3
This is what Trump's abject weakness begets. A two bit autocrat who thinks he has the right to chime in and steer US policy. And look at the comment section filled with foreigners with the standard lament how the US is responsible for 500 years of clan warfare in the middle east. It's like Reagan's 1980's policies that emboldened the Islamic movement. It's a sad, sad day in America when we are taking direction from pathetic countries and their citizens.
3
I'm not sure that I want to pay a subscription to a newspaper that publishes opinion pieces from totalitarians. This is not evenhandedness, this is giving credence to oppression.
11
Lead by example, First bring back democracy to Turkey: release political prisoners and journalist from jail; promote freedom of speech.
7
Is Putin paying Erdogan to play Trump like a bad violin, too? I know it's obvious, but nothing Trump does is good for anyone but Putin. Does Putin give Trump a month's break on his interest payments every time Trump trumpet's Russian propaganda for him?
4
Which DC lobbyist penned this now that Flynn is off the payroll?
7
Dictator Erdogan, maybe you should have addressed congress before this last election, just like Netanyahu. I could care less what a corrupt megalomaniac has to say. The Kurds are more important and reliable than any Turk. Men like you are what’s wrong with the human race.
4
Trump surely will have blood on his hands should the troop withdrawal goes through and Erdogon is allowed to unleash torrents of ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds of the likes not seen since Bosnia!
5
Publishing this self-serving piece is truly inappropriate for the NYTimes. Have you become Erdogan's mouthpiece? His jailing and harrassment of journalists in Turkey and his repression of press freedom should be unacceptable to us. Giving him a soapbox without requiring that he actually face the American press is illogical and suspicious.
12
"Dictators for Trump 2020"
3
Turkey should be booted from NATO. disgraceful piece of propoganda.
6
The New York Times has given this man a platform in one of the most prestigious papers in the world?
12
Mr. Erdogan, you are a bald-faced hypocrite. Contrary to what you say over and over, the Kurds fighting in Syria have established a democratic enclave called Rojava inspired by an extraordinary women's movement in the midst of a deeply patriarchal society. You know these brave people represent the polar opposite of what you insist on calling them -- terrorists. You know their inspiration comes from the imprisoned leader of the Kurdish people, Abdullah Ocalan, whose writings for decades have renounced violence in favor of remaking society outside of the nation-state. And yet you are prepared to exterminate them for the darkest of reasons -- your own power-madness -- while knowing full well the Turkish people have nothing to fear from them. Shame on you!
4
I expect Michael Barbaro will be hosting an episode of The Daily very shortly about the Op-Ed editor’s decision to publish this.
Why did Erdogan choose the Times? We’re discerning readers who are not so susceptible to propaganda. We see through this naked power grab, Erdogan.
5
When you start killing our allies, the Kurds, can we send troops into Istanbul to retaliate ?
4
Next up, a propaganda piece from Premier Xi on the trade war?
7
Erdogan's victory lap on the NYtimes editorial page here is proof positive that the US withdrawal is a huge geopolitical blunder.
4
Nice PR piece. Who’s the American Lobby or Marketing company that produced this propaganda?
7
How dare the NY Times run an Op Ed by a man who has destroyed democracy in Turkey. This is complicity at its worst.
9
So exactly why are we listening to the advice of a power-grabbing Islamist who is reputed by many to be trying to regenerate the Ottoman Empire, caliphate and all? Because Donald Trump did? Mr. Erdogan, Donald Trump is a moron and an electoral mistake, tipped over the edge into a fluke victory with a 3 million vote deficit by the machinations of a guy trying, for his part, to resurrect the Soviet Empire.
I see no reason the U.S. should listen to either of you. I don't think you understand how treasonous President Trump's love affair with you autocrats looks to the average American.
3
It’s too rich. You telling us that our out of control and mutant President is right. “Oh, endorsed by a dictator. That guy knows a thing or two. We must all be collectively wrong about his insane and stupid ideas.your wisdom has cleared everything up! Thank you oh wise and powerful one!”
2
This article from Erdogan should never have been published. It has been well established that he is a tyrant who uses his power to skirt democracy and crush his opposition. His excitement for US to leave Syria is because he wants to kill our ally's the Kurds. This is not a contentious point... Thankfully Bolten said today we will not leave until there are assurances that Kurds will not be harmed. Shame on nyt for furthering this monster's agenda with this propaganda. Have you forgotten that during a trip to Washington his secret service went into the streets and maimed America protesters?
8
Erdogan is a right wing mass murderer. He is committing genocide against the Kurdish people. This op-ed was written in blood. Free Kurdistan.
6
Unlike many commentators here, I commend the times for this OpEd piece.
It's always nice to know first hand, how people like Erdogan view what they are doing first hand.
Many here call this propaganda. Are you sure? Perhaps this is Erdogan's view of what he is doing.
The squatter in the Oval Office thinks he's doing good as well...
1
Our president loves his autocrats.
2
One authotratian supporting another! If you want decent people to believe anything you say, starting acting like a decent person. When you lock up journalists and suppress free speech you loose credibility.
2
Another corrupt arrogant power hungry politician- good try. I am at a loss of word how NYT gave this dictator a chance to push his perverted propaganda. Erdogan considers Kurds a big threat for his dictatorship. We have a clueless pathological liar child bully in the White House. He is a puppet of Vladimir the worst rogue of the world. Con man did cut a deal with Vladimir to leave Syria to guarantee his relection election in 2020.Kurds believed in us and fought with us to defeat ISIS in syria. Instead of giving them a solid support, con man deserted them so that they can be slaughtered by Erdogan. It is a shame and disgrace that the leader of the free world supports a blood hungry dictator.
7
I have big problems understanding some comments. You cannot (RIGHTLY) put the blame on Erdogan for having distroyed the freedom of speech in Turkey and at the same time put the blame on NYT for allowing Erdogan to express his opinion. As Voltaire said one time: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”. After all this od-ed shows nothing but how hypocrite the Turkish dictator is.
2
I cannot fathom that the NYT is providing the platform for this fascist regime. Google Academics for Peace. Look into his treatment of Kurds, his escalating repression of free speech, and surveillance of his people. The jailing of journalists, of opposition leaders. You want to cover the escalating international violence towards the press? You just gave him a mouthpiece, not to mention legitimacy. History will reveal the decision to publish this article as a grave error. I’m certainly given pause.
4
Erdogan is playing trump like a cheap violin. He just wants a chance to murder the Kurds.
3
Ha Ha. What's next? A column by Putin, Assad? How about a column by MBS on how to treat journalists. Why not?
6
Trump's Turkey twin speaks.
Surely we can trust him.
Just as we trust our Tiny handed Tyrant.
Really NYT?!
I've got to question the people you give voice to lately.
3
Get lost and stop killing our allies the Kurds. Or else we will kick you out of NATO and your best friend can be Putin.
3
With respect to publishing this rant :
1. Erdogan was quite happy when ISIS was at his border and not only did not lift a finger, but was gleefully expecting Kobani to 'fall within days'. So much for not tolerating a terror army at his border and his pretexts.
2. His dealing and arming of ISIS is well documented. His response: jail the journalist who exposed it!
3. If ISIS is defeated, then this was accomplised by the Kurds -aided by US and coalition strikes and with ZERO turkish help. Now that ISIS is defeated, Erdogan wants to step in and share the spoils....
4. The Kurds and YPG/SDF are the ONLY sane, secular, democratic organization in the region. Turkey uses jihadists (FSA)
5. Erdogan is the new Hitler, as he openly talks of expanding his empire to Vienna, and is arming himself to the teeth and if that was not enough is also building a nuclear power station with russian help for the same .... peaceful uses that Kim has in mind.
6.Turkey has systematically wiped out all minorities (the Kurds being the last remaining one), while complaining about turkish/moslem minorities elsewhere. It has practiced ethnic cleansing on a huge scale and has invaded, occupied and colonized Cyprus.
2
I do not subscribe to the NY Times to read self-serving propaganda from brutal dictators like Erdogan. Even as a demonstration of free speech, it's at best misguided and at worst damaging to your credibility as a reliable, fact-based news source.
4
Why would you ever give an autocrat, bent on the destruction of another people (the Kurds across the region), a forum for his odious propaganda? You’ve scheduled Assad next?
4
Erdogan again likens Israel to Nazi Germany, says it commits ‘cultural genocide’
https://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-again-likens-israel-to-nazi-germany-says-it-commits-cultural-genocide/
The thing to know about Mr. Erdogan is that he is not good for Kurds, Palestinians, Israel and Turkey.
Mr. Netanyahu will handle him as a simple blowhard. But he is a real danger to Kurds, Palestinians (whom he expresses bogus support for) and Turks.
Something on the order of a Trump, but worse.
1
Are you kidding, NYTimes? You gave Erdogan a place in you Opinion columns? How about all of the Kurds who have died in Turkish prisons?
3
Erdogan is a dictator in all but name. For a prestigious paper like the NYT to give him a platform/bullhorn opens the door to legitimizing his ideas. Very disappointing editorial decision.
2
Erdogan is a repressive authoritative dictator. We have been defending the Kurdish people from him and now we're abandoning them, with the Kurds seeking protection from Assad. Why are you publishing the ramblings of middle east putin? This is highly disturbing content. I know y'all supported the nazis during WWII and don't say anything about climate change, but there has to be a line somewhere... how about you keep Israel/Palestine and we get to keep knowing that Erdogan is a dangerous threat to the global democratic world order? how about that?
Erdogan single-handedly turned the only liberal secular democracy in the Middle East into another third-world, religion-fascist kleptocracy. He undid all that Kemal built.
3
For Turkey to attain ISIS's last stronghold on the Euphrates, the al-Ulay'at pocket currently surrounded by the Kurd's YPG and the Syrian army, their forces must cross through Kurdish Rovaja. That couldn't happen without a major fight with the YPG.
Aren't Erdogan's real objectives the fight against the YPG and the elimination of Rovaja ? His ambition must be curtailed before it creates a new bloody chapter in this war.
Turkey has been instrumental in the development of ISIS, by letting foreign fighters use its convenient airports and wide open borders, with its guards looking the other way. If the Turkish would capture the 20 to 30,000 ISIS fighters that remain in Syria, it would be no time before Erdogan give them a new NFL uniform, 3 meals a day and a ride to Kurdish Manjib on Turkish trucks.
2
As with most things involving Turkey, this gets incredibly complicated. It's also very apparent from this column why Erdogan has ascended to power, it's well written and very persuasive.
2
"Turkey can get the job done" has an ominous ring to it.
Conflating the P.Y.D./Y.P.G. with the P.K.K. does little to reassure us.
The Y.P.G. fought alongside the United States and other members of the coalition. With the US out of Syria, Turkey will annihilate those coalition members.
They deserve better.
2
Turkey can't get the job done of defeating ISIS for good, but what it can do is to slaughter into oblivion the Syrian Kurds who have fought bravely and effectively in an alliance with the United States for years. Turkey will finish this job at the earliest available opportunity, with a bow if gratitude to President Trump.
2
This is rich coming from the guy who let all the crazy jihadis into Syria through Turkey in the first place.
22
With such allies, who needs enemies?
2
I somehow missed the author of this piece until the end credit. It made sense after that, though.
Big surprise that these two autocrats are defending one another. Never mind that King Don has never made an intelligent, fact-based "policy" decision.
In defense of the NYT: They're allowing lots of comments from knowledgeable, anti-Erdogan readers, aren't they? Maybe that's the point.
1
I am beside myself that the NY Times would let a cruel dictator who jails journalists use their megaphone. I don't even know what to say.
8
i thank ny times for allowing commenting on this story and letting us readers beat up on erdogan. there arent too many stories re turkey that let you comment. on the guardian it is rare.
this article began with pure propaganda. i stopped reading by the third paragraph. but the comments give me hope. there are more and more americans waking up to the fact that turkey is not a progressive country, though its aegean coast may be.
let me rewrite that old saying: (even before erdogan) they came for the armenians and no one helped, then the assyrians, then the greeks, then the jews, then the kurds, and now the secular and progressive turks are left alone (and fleeing in big numbers, as written about in another times article.)
7
AS usual calls for censorship by the outraged who only want to hear one opinion, their own, formed as that is by propaganda put out by our Western media as though snow would not melt in our mouths (WMD's in Iraq anyone??)
Like they do in China which oppresses millions and kills 10,000's of dissidents yearly. They too 'protect' their people from 'wrong opinions' and 'Weaponized Truths'. But we now live in the 2nd McCarthyist era and so here we are with so called Democrats who wanted one woman 'race' with a umpopular candidate decided upon by the inner party Elite (DNC) NOT the foolish 'folk' who 'don't know their own best interests'- Wow arrogant!
We get writers here hoping the military coup vs Erdogan succeeded and then covering this up after it fails but of course the anti Turk Bigots know all the evil in the world comes from their opponents and not themselves. When it suited us WE declared the PKK to be a terrorist group. When it suited us WE sold chemical weapons to Saddam to gas the Iranians and Kurds and now all of a sudden we are the good guys even though we supplied ISIS with US weapons to fight Assad as a proxy army??
WE sell weapons to brutal torture regimes (Egypt) and support Democracy overthrow (Egypt, Ukraine, Honduras), both now and then (Iran) and destroy once functioning nations (Iraq, Afghanistan and worst of all Libya) based on lies (both parties, first Cheney and GW then later Clinton McCain).
And yet we say EVERYTHING is Russia fault. That is a LIE!
4
I’d like to suggest to the N.Y. Times Editors that now that they have had Erdogan provide the readers with his version of reality that they seriously consider a series of such essays. They could call it: “Listening to the Other Side,” or “How the Opposition Sees Life and Politics.” Then they could run a series by prominent Republicans and Democrats to get a home grown version of “How I See the World.” If they wanted to do historical figures they could do excerpts from Machiavelli or “Mein Kampf” or Augustus. Think of the historical perspective they could provide! We could have up to date Op Ed pieces by Putin (who wouldn’t have to resort to WH telephone calls anymore but could speak directly to the US citizen!), Kim Jung Un, Duterte, Mitch McConnell etc. Now those pieces might get a whole lot more eyes going to the Times and even up the circulation!
Why, oh why, is this op-Ed penned by the brutal autocrat Erdogan, one who throws journalists who criticize his regime into prison still online?
It's high time to take it down.
3
First, extradite those Erdogan bodyguards who beat up protesters in Washington D. C. on the orders of Erdogan.
And, then arrest Erdogan for giving the orders.
6
Clad we are now looking to autocratic strongmen for foreign policy advice...NOT! Good God, will this ever end with this horrific President (both DJT and Erdogan)?
5
Well, this is a special opinion!
2
Sounds like a plan for the annexation of northern Syria
3
Joke's on you, Recep. Bolton says we're in it for the long haul.
2
As other readers have stated, it should be condemned that the NYT editorial board publishes propaganda by an authoritarian dictator. Nobody should be fooled by Erdogan's nice aside about how he has no issues with the Kurds - just read the NYT's own reporting on the attack on Afrin and events inside Turkish Kurdistan over the past few years, or talk to Kurds who have fled Turkey because of his oppressive regime.
5
To me its no different between Erdogan and Bin-Laden, both started political life as Muslims brotherhoods members, Erdogan still belive in Muslims brotherhoods idea and ideology that why he steel mad about what happened in Egypt when the army took back what they lost to muslims brotherhoods organization, and since it he use to show his solidarity by wave his hand with only fore fingers (in arabic Rabeaa) Muslims brotherhoods sign. Anyway, Erdogan is very danegrus and can't be truest i, it will be very naiv to trust an dictator who in three years put thousands of people in prison.
2
The U.S. Middle Eastern policy has been in shambles for decades. It is very unfortunate for a superpower having lack of empathy about the people of the region after so many grave experiences. US acts like a very old man with dementia who can not even recognize his family. Everyday we have to introduce ourselves to this malfunctioning memory.
Erdogan is right to demand a leading role to calm things down right under the armpit of Turkey. Last 40 years PKK and affiliates killed and maimed many thousands of people across the border in Turkey. Somebody among the posters claim Kurds have been short changed after the WW I. This is a superb example of American intellectuals' colossal ignorance. Turkey was reduced from a major empire in all three continents to a Rhode Island-size country after the WW I.
Hero of Gallipoli, the man who whipped the derriere of Winston Churchill, Mustafa Kemal, with a rag-tag army fought and got back the Asia Minor for the Turks. Despite the fact that a century elapsed some people are readying another Sevres agreement that secures the surrender of Turks to who knows to whom. All the while many folks conveniently ignore the fact Turks have been a steadfast allies and contributed troops (actually divisions) in nKorea, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.
I remember a couple of decades ago some idiot from the Pentagon's basement published map of the Middle East in which half of Turkey was shown as a part of Kurdistan. That was the beginning of Turks' losing heart at American loyalty.
Now, because of Erdogan (whom I equally dislike) overwhelming hostility toward Turkey is displayed here and everywhere. By the same Token many allies of the US should condemn the US for Trumps shenanigans.
1
Turkey IS the key linchpin because this is a Syrian and Muslim extremism problem on their border. The prevention of a Caliphate in Syria or Iraq can probably be prevented from recurring. I wish Turkey Godspeed since ISIS destabilizes every surrounding country, and worse, exports violent Islamic fascism and fascist ideas that result in terrorist attacks everywhere.
Said the fox to the hens....
3
Great just what we need advice from another wanna be 2 bit tin horn dictator.
3
Who on this planet would believe anything that comes out of Erdogan's mouth. He is a wannabe dictator who lies as much as Putin and Trump. WE can not abandon the Kurds, our one and only true ally in the area.
3
Since when do the freedoms granted by the First Amendment apply to a foreign dictator? It's bad enough that the putative dictator in the White House manipulates the media every single hour of every single day. And now this?
I can't imagine what rationale the NYT used to justify this.
Erdogan, the oppressor, the jailer of journalists, does not deserve this sort of forum.
3
Incredible! Reminds me of an interview on CNN with Radovan Karadzic during the Bosnian war.
5
I don't think a the chief executive of Turkey has any moral standing to declare Turkey as the protector of the Middle East while continuing to jail journalists and anyone else whom he may declare the enemy of the state.
Small wonder why he is Trump's buddy.
2
Would Recep please account for his thugs attacking demonstrators on US soil?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/us/turkish-embassy-protest-dc.html
Sure, go out and kill the Kurds using US air power. And if you convince the donald to go along with you, you've won, dictators will rule the world and god save those who thought democracy, a government designed with checks and balances, and the free press would hold against them.
3
Wait, wasn't Erdogan the one who asked Trump to pull out of Syria in the first place? Aren't the views of Turkey and Russia aligned on this issue, and ultimately against the interests of the US? Why is the Times publishing this piece?
3
The Kurds are the largest population on Earth without their own country. The Eastern third of Turkey is mostly courage, and should be made a country with the parts of Syria Iraq and Iran the Kurds also inhabit. Good luck with that.
Erdogan will make Ataturk's genocide of the Armenians look mild. It's a shame that the Times even gave this dictator a mouthpiece like this.
4
For fair & balanced rebuttal NYTimes might contact any of 231 journalists indicated below:
Wikipedia: Arrested journalists in Turkey:
Many journalists in Turkey are being persecuted and kept in jail all over the country. Below is an extensive list of the prisoners, past and present.
231 journalists have been arrested after July 15, 2016 alone. According to advocacy group Sweden-based Stockholm Center for Freedom that tracks cases of prosecutions of Turkish journalists, In the year 2018, 122 journalists received a jail sentence…
If some jerk sitting out in the woods can source this instantly, what's the problem at your Istanbul desk?
6
Declare the Kurds’ right to self-determination. Stop being a bully, Erdogan.
3
If the NYT publishing this under the opinion section upsets you, you should definitely prepare a secondary more scathing comment for every major network airing tomorrow’s performance...as soon as the readers of this newspaper start calling for censorship we are really in trouble. The first amendment is number one for a reason!
3
By giving Erdogan the floor to present his position, the New York Times legitimizes this ruthless and brutal dictator. He has slaughtered thousands of ethnic Kurds and openly supports Islamic terror entities, and this while forcing a harmful Islamisization on his previously Western-leaning country. His mass incarceration of media members and other Turkish dissidents is further proof of his intentions to completely transform a once-democratic Turkey into his own radical Islamic caliphate. Even New York Knick Enes Kanter isn’t safe from this brutal dictator!
4
It’s not as though a US withdrawal makes new room for Turkey to step in. They’re neighbors with Syria! If Turkey was capable of dismantling ISIS, they would have done so over the past four years. This is just do much additional hot air from another blowhard, one who sent his bodyguards out onto the street to pistol whip American citizens the last time he was in town.
3
What is disturbing is letting a known terrorist have his say in this newspaper. Again and again no less. Erdogan has murdered more of his own people and sent many to prison over a perceived bout of paranoia. The real axis of evil would be Putin, Erdogan and Assad. How many journalists in turkey have been killed or forced from their homeland?? Yet the NYT and our own congress get whipped into a frenzy over a journalist from Saudi Arabia. Print the names of Turkish journalists who no longer exist!
2
Yet again, the NYT is giving a platform to people who have clearly demonstrated a complete disrespect for democratic values.
This happens too often lately.
Really disappointing
2
So one real autocrat sees eye to eye with the American incompetent autocrat-want-to-be. The only trouble is that in the eyes of Erdogan the Kirds are his terrorists and for the US the Kirds are our allies in fighting the real terrorists, ISIS.
In any case one of the liar-in-chief's string puller, Netanyahu, does not like that so, at least for now, the Kirds are relatively safe. Until the liar-in-chief walks back the walk backs of his nominal National Security Advisor, Bolton.
Go figure. It is a 24/7 reality TV show in 3-D in the world stage.
Sad!
1
The reason Turkey's troops were sent into Syria was to destroy the Kurds. That has transparently been your purpose all along. You can lie to our gullible, ignorant president, but don't expect discerning American readers to fall for it.
3
Isn’t it great that this petty, impotent dictator/war criminal has a chance to publish an opinion piece here?
3
By all means, NYT, publish this propaganda from the murderous Dictator who rallied religious extremists in order to grab complete power and whose prisons are full of journalists, educators, intellectuals, medical professionals.....BUT it would have been appreciated if the an opinion in response from eg. the Kurds or a neutral analyst could have been published at the same time.
3
Whatever happened to the goons Erdogan ordered to beat up protestors on U.S. soil?
5
The fact is that given a choice of the Turks, of today, and the Kurds as allies many of us will take the Kurds who have stood by the US in this fight. Why Mr. Erdogan is given a forum here is questionable. Did we give a similar forum to Pol Pot or Saddam....so why this autocrat who brings his security team to the US to rough up our citizens....Mr. Trump may seek to emulate Mr. Erdogan and respect him and his regime but many of us do not and question the need for Turkey as an ally and the ability to trust Turkey. I have one vendor who is Turkish. I can tell you if they ever noted support for Mr. Erdogan's regime we would be ending our business relationship.
1
Plz don't let this xenophobic man dictate the future of the Kurdish people, I really hope we learnt from the mistakes in the 1930's
3
@Daniel
I wonder if folks know this was why the Public Domain has been frozen for twenty years? To keep silent those lessons you speak of. Not since 1998 has one iota of American lit, sound and fury been permitted to stand free for the people to read hear and see without dictation of its corporate owners. Until now.
If not for Sonny Bono, we'd have churned 1924 to 1944 into a world hurt to remember, but now many of us don't know what you mean by lessons learned in the 1930s.
Not me. My SSMom's kin were in with those fascists who hid out in Phoenix between the wars. Who knew Arden was running a fascist retreat behind the Red Door Salon? I did. She bought the joint from SSMom's mother. You could cut their bigotry with a knife; they were so thick.
Erdogan is a thug whose detail roughed up Americans in the capital of Washington, D.C., and escaped responsibility.
Turkey is going to look out for America's interests in Syria?
Americans are going to listen to Erdogan supporting Individual 1?
I don't think so.
4
"It [Erdogan's response to Bolton's entreaties] showed how far apart the countries are on how to handle an American withdrawal."
It showed how careless, ignorant, and dangerous Trump's decision to withdraw immediately was. Erdogan plans to exterminate our allies the Syrian Kurds. There are about 2 million of them. We have only 2 thousand soldiers in Syria. If the Trump Republicans withdraw without protecting the Kurds, it is as good as murder on 5th Ave.
3
The job? Sounds like slaughtering the Kurds to me.
5
A paranoid tyrant and bully lauding another one. What could possibly go wrong?
4
Erdogan? The guy who brought his thugs to the USA? Remember this headline: A total of 19 people, including 15 identified as Turkish security officials, were indicted Tuesday by a grand jury in the U.S. capital for attacking protesters in May 2017 during a U.S. visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
So we really can trust his word, right?
2
Give an autocrat a front page while at the same time discussing if your President should get air time on TV?
If this does not backfire ...
1
President Erdogan, this disingenuous attempt at sounding as if you have really done anything positive in Syria is laughable. As the great majority of Americans know, especially the U.S. military command in Syria, are quite aware that our biggest allies in to counter act ISIS have been the Kurds. Yet you have insisted on demonizing these people who really deserve their own homeland. But then Turkey under the Ottomans was responsible for a genocide on Armenians. Your sorry attempt to act as if you have not acted as an autocrat in your own land, is appreciated by few except your admirer, President Trump. It is a shame that our current administration finds common cause with the rising autocratic forces in play in Europe and Asia. Act as a responsible party and maybe people will take the tripe you put forth in this self-promoting piece seriously. Until then, in my book and I think many others, you are just another two-bit dictator. You will strut your stuff across the current news cycles, but you will be swallowed up in history as just another failed autocrat.
3
I'll be looking forward to tomorrow's op-ed by Maduro.
1
Look, we all know that Turkey(i.e., Erdogan) tacitly supported Isis and other jihadist groups during the Syrian civil war. They moved freely back and forth across the Turkish border to gain reupplies and for medical treatment. Based on documents captured by American special forces in Syria, Erdogan's son has been implicated in arrangements to buy oil from Isis. Turkey's only interest is to eradicate the Kurds and spread Sunni Turkish hegemony.
The only mystery here is why the Times would publish this piece of political propaganda.
2
The wolf is salivating over free access to the hen house. He knows that Trump makes Neville Chamberlain look like Churchill.
1
It is disgraceful that the Times would allow its pages to be misused by a proven autocrat, jailer of journalists, academic critics and innocent Turks, and murderer of Syrian Kurds, whose only crime was to fight ISIS while Erdogan facilitated the creation of its caliphate. Erdogan's "op-ed" is nothing more than a propaganda piece put together by loyalists who share Erdogan's intent to continue the domination of the Kurds whenever and wherever Turkey's mighty military can crush them. At a minimum the Times should have allowed a representative of the Kurds to publish a counter op-ed for some much needed, ethically required journalistic balance. Or to condition the publication on the the publication of a Kurdish op-ed in a major Turkish newspaper.
Maybe the Times can do some real journalism also by investigating the purported continuing need for the US to label Kurds seeking self-rule as "terrorists". Yes, most under-educated Turks believe Kurdish separatists are "terrorists". That's mainly because they are brainwashed from cradle to grave to think so, just like they believe their parents and grandparents did not commit genocide against Armenians and Greeks. Turkey is a beautiful land with many wonderful people, but its mistreatment of Kurds who have tried to work within the existing political system is obvious to all but the willfully blind and the malign.
2
I know I feel much better now knowing that the Turkish crazed autocrat, who admires the American crazed autocrat, has given us his word.
2
There will be no safe haven for the Kurds, either. And there will be terrorists as long as there is a volatile Mideast.
1
Stunned that Erdogan would get to place his propaganda on the front page of the NYT. Of all the horrible places in the world, Turkey under Erdogan is reknowned as one of the worst for freedom of the press and treatment of reporters (not to mention the fact that Turkey served as a willing logistics base and passage way for ISIS during much of Syrian civil war). Oh, they are part of NATO ? right, I forgot that ....
1
Mr. Erdogan, will I be able to visit Turkey without arrest if I comment negatively about your opinion piece?
1
Just remember Edrogans body guards beating up American citizens on American soil because the protested him. Do you want to take his word that he has only good aims for the region?.
2
Dear Mr. Erdogan:
Your words ring hollow.
1
Sorry Recip, we know you'll understand: we don't outsource murder and mayhem. Too much profit in it. Maybe next time...
When Turkey apologizes to the Armenians, I will hear what he has to say.
3
Erdogan needs to recognize Turkey's role in the Armenian Genocide, with same candor he demands of Saudi Arabia in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Both events diminish those countries. Neither will be forgotten.
1
Your words are undermined by your actions, Mr. Dictatror.
1
Erdogan deserves to be in prison. He writes a moderate piece, but his actions speak louder. Knick Enes Kanter is afraid to go to London for a basketball game because he believes the Turks will have him captured and imprisoned. The charge? Speaking out against the authoritarian ways of Erdogan. Erdogan runs fake elections and has a state news agency. He is a fascist that clearly cannot be trusted. Of course, Trump loves him.
1
I never realized that Erdogan was such a comedian.
1
Freedom of speech is one thing. But for New York Times to lend its platform to a corrupt dictator and enemy of democracy is a crime in itself. Turkey was a wonderful country, and its people still shine, despite its leader's relentless race to third world status. Go home and stay home, Mr Erdogan.
2
Oh, sure. We believe you. Hey we elected Trump, right. We'll believe anything! Remember Bush. No problem, sir.
1
Mr. Erdogan, you lost your credibility with your murderous campaign in Afrin that ended up driving half the population away. No one should trust you conquering another Kurdish held territory.
2
The question, Mr Erdogan, is can you get the job done properly in your own country?
How ironic that a nation with a history of terrorism against the Armenian people can claim the right and ability to rid Syria, another neighbor, of terrorism.
Yes, Erdogan will deny the genocide of 1915,
just as some deny the Holocaust of WWII, but the facts are well-established.
1
Erdogan is a thuggish dictator that killed a fledgling democracy in Turkey. He is planning on eliminating the Syrian Kurd population, and has communicated this widely.
The US has already given explicit support for the Syrian Kurds. "Letting Turkey get the job done" means allowing Turkey to kill our partners.
Trump's desire to make friends with thuggish authoritarians who brutalize their own citizens is horrific. This tells the world that the US no longer cares about democratic principles. Ergogan in particular, like the Saudis, is someone the US should be moving AWAY from, not relying on.
2
President Erdogan of Turkey certainly has the chutzpah to preach democracy for the areas under ISIS control while systematically destroying democracy in Turkey!
1
What is definiton of Terorism ? Who is terorist ? Who does not respect even dead bodies of civilans E.g Tabet Inan 7 Days and nights her dead body stayed on the streets of Silopi durin extraordinarysituation. There are many thing to ask but nobody care life of Kurdish civilians . This is not my opinion let read : https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/nusaybin-the-turkish-city-where-war-is-now-a-way-of-life-ankara-bombing-pkk-a6931256.html
No words , no sentence , none of none ...
2
He allowed friendly back and forth border access to IS recruits and arms since the beginning of the IS movement and during the establishment of the attempted Caliphate. He's a liar and autocrat like Trump who wants this opportunity to crush any chance of Kurdish autonomy.
2
Perhaps the author does not realize that the majority of Americans are not as weak, gullible and ignorant as Trump. But I suppose it does not matter to Trump and his supporters, especially the GOP in Congress.
1
More of Trump’s fascistic friends chime in to support him in the media. First it was Putin saying “Donald was right” to withdraw troops from Syria. Now it’s Turkey’s autocratic leader, Erdogan, saying Trump is right to pull troops from Syria. Who’s next? Is North Korea in support of pulling troops from Syria?
Imagine if this had happened during the Obama administration. Republicans would have been screaming their heads off. But this is Trump, a Republican president, so it’s crickets and tumbleweeds from the Republicans—barely a peep in objection. Hypocrites.
1
I wonder what freedom this autocrat would accommodate if a contrary opinion were to be posted in a leading outlet in Turkey.
1
The terrorists for Erdogan include the Kurds, people fighting to establish a homeland for themselves. Shame on the US if it abets his suppression.
2
This one is quite a bit of surprise. The NYT, the editors, most readers, and the writer, suffering collective amnesia on the subj. Many tough NYT reporters, having covered the battlefield, scratching heads this morning.
Allow me some memories, 2014/15 - ISIS forces back against Turkey border, trapped and facing Kurdish forces suddenly find the Turkish border open and welcoming. Not only that, there is actual transportation provided that allowed ISIS to move 100 miles inside Turkey and reenter Syria in a flank movement against the same Kurds.Or back in 2013 Al Jazeera journalist fired for reporting Turkish arms supply to ISIS. Or, again in 2013/14 UK Parliament member offering Turkey speedy entry into EU in return for reining in or shutting off support for ISIS. Many many more.
Mr. Erdogan here is neither innocent nor his intentions going forward are noble. That trade with ISIS supplied Syria/Iraq oil benefited him immensely. Till Russia threw a wrench in his game, Mr.Erdogan was committed to quite a different outcome.
To give him what he is asking would be madness, suspend reality. His idea preserve Syrian territorial integrity by intruding and establishing bases inside Syria, he is not ever trying to hide his true intentions. His desire from day one has been to reclaim the lands Ottoman Turkey lost to Arabs a hundred years ago.
Instead of rewarding him, create a Kurdish buffer state - Syrian Kurds, Turkish Kurds, Iraqi Kurds, Iranian Kurds. Look up the map.
2
and he will certainly Whey in against the Kurds
1
You lost me at "Trump Is Right..."
1
And meanwhile from another front page NY Times article, straight from Erdogan....
'Mr. Erdogan said Mr. Bolton had made a “grave mistake” when he said that Turkey must agree to protect Syria’s Kurds in the event of an American withdrawal.
“It is not possible for us to swallow the message Bolton gave from Israel,” Mr. Erdogan said in a speech to political party members in Parliament.'
Wait a minute. I thought Erdogan has "no problems with the Kurds?" He wants them to actively participate in government.
But he won't protect them? Is this code for hopefully they'll be eradicated? Bolten better get to the bottom of this.
Until clarified, this Erdogan's "opinion" should be retracted by the Times with an explanation as to why the editors no longer find it appropriate material for print. The paper's obligation is to news, not a foreign leader's propaganda.
It's no more censorship, then refusing to print propaganda from Russia, Syria, or N. Korea.
4
I am absolutely appalled that the NYT willingly provides a platform to one of the world's most repressive authoritarians. This is not an opinion in some kind of ongoing democratic debate. Erdogan murders opponents and suppresses dissent. Publishing his self-serving propaganda is not "let's hear from both sides" journalism. You insult the people in Turkey who struggle and suffer for freedom of speech, including your fellow journalists.
2
Sure President Erdogan, I trust you as much as I trust Trump!
1
Next op-ed, Duterte on progressive penal reform.
2
Why is the NYT publishing the words of a man who has been responsible for so much harm towards the journalists who have dared to speak up in Turkey.
What right does this man have to be heard in such a publication when he has spent so many years suppressing the views and aspirations of so many people?
1
Why waste time and space giving a platform to promote this dictator's lies, distortions and autocratic rule in violation of basic democratic principles and human rights. Whose next? Putin?
2
What the Turkey of Ergogan will get done is a mass slaughter of Kurds who have been helping the US fight the terrorists.
Erdogan is the terrorist.
2
Let's have full disclosure here. What Washington lobbying group drafted this op-ed and arranged for it to be in the NY Times, and how much are they paid?
2
With reference to the headline, one must ask exactly what "the job" means to the author.
1
Mr. Erdogan, the first step to establish your credibility is to send back to the United States the thugs who, as you watched, attacked demonstraters in Washington, D.C. Step up or step off.
1
Why on earth is the New York Times providing a platform for this deeply untrustworthy man to spread his propaganda? By all means, report on what he says, and treat it the same way good journalists treat such things, i.e. with fact-checking and factual context. But simply allowing this man to spout forth his unalloyed propaganda serves no one’s purpose but his own.
1
Perhaps former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn reserved this editorial spot for Erdogan as part of his payment from Erdogan?
2
The devil rebuking sin. How can the head of a terrorist state rebuke terrorism?
1
Why give this man any space in your columns when he’s trying to imprison a Basketball player for speaking out against injustice?
Is this freedom of the press?
1
Says the Sultan Dictator
What a joke that Erdegan plays the good guy in the Kashoggi business. Suddenly he's concerned with human rights.
1
Great to know that from one potential Dictator to another, that they agree. Next, the Times should get Putin's Op Ed on the issue.
1
Erdogan,you are a ruthless,relentless murdering dictator ,lacking in morality,humanity or even just a shred of integrity. Trust you ?? You truly
must think we are all dolts in our country,don’t underestimate the citizens of a true democracy. Your words are empty,just as your country is beginning to be with all the people leaving. Turkey will never be important,you’ve created a third world country.
2
I spent a sufficient amount of time in Istanbul. The great majority of people were very nice to me, especially considering the actions of Agent Orange, our inane and insane President. I became friends with several Turks who confided in me that they feared Erdogan. My friends were small business owners, professors, graduate students, a woman who supervised a large UPS store as well as fishermen and service employees. Not only did they fear Erdogan but Trump, as well. A dangerous dictator doesn't deserve a place on the front page of the NYT. Anything he says is not newsworthy; it's his propagandistic drivel. Was there ever a question in the editors' minds that Erdogan would spout anything but lies and his own brand of dictatorial disinformation? My advice to the NYT is to focus on newsworthy stories. Giving criminals like Erdogan a soapbox for their anti-democratic ideas and the concurrent legitimacy which comes with space on the NYT's front page disgusts me. Why don't you give Assad and Putin equal time while you are at it? Or better yet, give me, Marc Adin, an opportunity as a guest Op-Ed writer.
2
NYT, I support you in these very troubling times because of your high status as the paper of record, which, along with the Wash Post we desperately need to shine the light on the truth and not waste space on such mendacity.
Deeply disappointed that you let this dictator have space in one of our national treasures
1
What’s next, a prime time address?
1
I understand that it is important to report all sides but, and this is really absolutely needed on situations like this one, never should an article from one side be published on a respectable vehicle like NYT without a proper annex from the editors clarifying the history, its unfolding and current situation.
The president of Turkey gave us all around the world the right to be very suspicious of his future actions by his past ones.
1
The President of Turkey has taken to the NYT Op-ed to sway American opinion so that he can slaughter dissidents and separatists? Why not send his goons over here again to beat us into submission? Let's see, should we cozy up to a ruthless dictator that's all comfy with Vladamir Putin or allies that bled with us and fought bravely as the tip of our spear against ISIS in Syria?
1
The term "self-determination" is nowhere in this editorial. There is no promise of Kurds being able to determine their own future. While Erdogan promises "guidance" to the Kurds, he gives no definition. We have seen enough "guidance" in the Middle East to quickly conclude that it means following orders... or else.
And if the Kurds resistance this "guidance?" Well, look at Erdogan's actions in his own country against those he determines to be his foes. We should believe Erdogan like we believe Trump..........
3
Is the US presence in Syria preventing Turkey from invading to crush the Kurdish forces? Or is the US preventing a war between Turkey, Iran, Russia/Syria & Hezbullah? Does anybody know? Trump obviously has no idea.
1
Of course Erdogan can get the 'job' done .... as he is an Islamic dictator. Left to his own, he'll decimate Kurds in Eastern Turkey and Syria. I believe his long term vision is a Turkey version of Iran - no friend of ours or any other person on earth concerned with human rights and the rule of law.
3
The fact Erdogan is saying "Trump is Right" should tell you all you need to know about both of them, and not in a good sort of way.
2
My viewpoint is Mr. Erdogan is a head of state, his comments should be read if for no other reason. We are seeing comments from readers that help non-expert news and political junkies like me make sense of what is going on. This seems to be how journalism and democracy should work.
Erdogan wants to murder as many Kurds as he can, and Trump is trying to allow it. Why do stories of U.S. soldiers and Marines successfully fighting bureaucratic indifference and/or outright hostility to bring translators from Iraq and Afghanistan to the U.S. make the evening news? Because the U.S. has a disgraceful history of abandoning allies. We are at the point where nobody will be willing to fight with us. Abandoning the Kurds to Erdogan is an act of cowardice on our part.
3
Erdogan's chance to do something useful was about 800,000 dead civilians ago, and several million refugees, and, and.... He wasn't the only one, but he is right up here at the top of the list. Now he wants to accomplish the remarkable feat of making it all WORSE.
2
This autocrat still needs to answer for the Americans attacked and bloodied by his security staff outside the Turkish embassy.
4
Mission First!
The US operations against ISIS in Syria has always been limited to disrupting ISIS attacks against Northern Iraq.
Mission accomplished.
Time to withdraw US Forces.
A sticky mess if there ever was one. Erdogan is a thug who jails journalists. The fact that he caught the Saudis out by eavesdropping on their embassy as they brutally murdered WAPO columnist Khashoggi is proof a weird way of their poisonous pudding. The Kurds in Syria and Kurds in that much contested part of the Middle East have been fighting for their survival as people ever since 1918 when the Ottoman Empire was brought down by the Allies in WWI. The Balfour Agreement that carved up the Middle East between Britain and France and declared countries like Syria and Jordan (and Saudi Arabia) where once there were Ottoman Satraps and peoples moved quite freely (see Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom for some background on nationalism in that region). Not so since. Assad and Israel as well as the Saudis have seen to that. Ask the Palestinians how they like their "nation" on the West Bank?
1
It's not that we don't understand you, President Erdogan. It's that most of our country detests trump, despises his authoritarian ways, and don't like him cozying up to dictators like you.
If Putin, Erdogan and Dutarte all think trump is doing the right thing, watch out, America!
2
Well, the publication of this well written and well translated comment by Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it into the NY Times. I had to pinch my browser to make certain that it wasn't playing tricks on me.
At a time in which the respect of news media is often questioned, what does printing this piece of Turkish propaganda do to improve the stature of the last bastions to truth, publications like the NY Times?
Erdogan's Turkey is not the same Turkey that was a long-term ally of the United States. He is as troublesome as several other hard-liners that control countries along his boarders. And his relationship with Trump is troubling.
5
Such shallow criticism of the NYT's publication of this piece. Erdogan is a key player in Syria, which has become the focal point of a global struggle, and he has turned up as an central character in our own native struggle with an incompetent and perhaps compromised president. It is important that informed Americans know his mind. While the biases, omissions, and rhetorical feints of this piece may require studious attention to properly decipher, the editors have trusted their readership to make the necessary effort--to their credit.
European countries should be helping Turkey in this .. the Syrian people just wanted to get rid of the 40 years of criminal torturing dictatorship by the Assad family .. Obama would not help them .. ISIS said they would help them .. but this is Europe's back .. they should help Turkey .. Trump is right .. why should America keep fighting Europe's battles .. why ? Europe has twice the population of the United States .. they are big enough to handle their own problems ..
From one dictator to another - all lies and competing for more power. What a sad state of affairs in Turkey and the US.
2
How is anyone suppose to believe a word of what Erdogan says here, when he has ruthlessly and unambiguously gone about destroying his own peoples lives for the most flimsiest and ludicrous connection to the attempted coup in 2016
2
@Shiv Have you actually read this article?
I am no fan or Erdogan; but the assessment of regional realities presented in this article are sound.
I fail to see how contemporary struggles with terrorism today relate to events that took place more than 100 years ago - in a completely different country that is no longer is in existence, no less.
I suggest you keep an open mind if you are trying to understand current geopolitical realities, instead of spewing out inflammatory one-liners that serve nobody.
Oh great, the half-rate dictator who is jailing teachers and journalists assures us that Turkey will just take care of everything and we don't need to worry. Meanwhile his own country is falling apart due to his backwards and meglamoniacal governance. No wonder Trump trusts this guy.
2
...with visions of the Ottoman Empire like sugarplums dancing on the world stage.
1
I hear Putin's pretty jazzed about Trump's declaration, too. I wonder why.
2
It's comical the way these liars have fallen out. The whole world knows that ISIS would have never got started had not Turkey (mostly EErdogan's family) bought from them the billions of dollars worth of stolen Iraqi & Syrian oil that was shipped in hundred kilometre long tanker convoys to the Turkish border under the watchful eyes of Americans, who did nothing to interrupt them. (Putin stopped it overnight.)
Similarly, everyone knows 400 000 ISIS terrorists entered Syria over the Turkish border, given safe passage by Erdogan, funded by Saudi & Qatar...and armed by Uncle Sam with weapons shipped from Libya.
2
Looking forward to Vladimir Putin's NYTimes op-ed piece about Russia's benevolent plans for Ukraine and continued discussions with the Trump administration regarding adoptions.
4
I would believe the words of Donald Trump before I would believe President Erdogan statements. I'm surprised that the NYT would publish something like this, from a president who actively is pursuing immoral campaigns against his own people, does not believe in due process, who has locked up and jailed journalists who do not agree wit him.... the list goes on and on.
4
On reading the article and the comments, one can only conclude one thing: The killings will go, on and on, and on
1
"Turkey proposes a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the root causes of radicalization. We want to ensure that citizens do not feel disconnected from government, terrorist groups do not get to prey on the grievances of local communities and ordinary people can count on a stable future."
Astounding! This is the exact same spiel that a was promised in 1933 in Germany.
Let's see.. You Erdogan instigated coercive actions against leaders of the HDK when they won a large vote. They are still in jail.
You imprison scientists who make public dangerous conditions when the government takes no actions.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2019/01/02/turkish-scientist-faces-up-to-12-years-in-prison-for-revealing-environmental-hazards/
You eliminated all political and journalistic opposition after the coup attempt.
I would say you are a dangerous person and have no credibility.
3
It is telling that Mr. Erdogan references a NYT article for his assertion that coalition "were carried out with little or no regard for civilian casualties"; precisely the kind of anti-government article that would not be permitted in Turkey. Thus while Mr. Erdogan's article and several of the reader-supporting comments make reasonable propositions, it should be no surprise that many of us are skeptics, especially when the overall tone is one of Turkey has saved the day vs. US being pretty much the clutzy cousin who is much more part of the cause rather than a solution. With all our faults, we are willing to introspect and move on. Is Turkey willing to do the same?
1
Show us that you will take care of the Kurds, instead of repressing and killing them, please.
8
Notice that only people without ties to terrorists will be allowed to participate in government, quite like the failed American policy of banishing all Sunnis from government which led to their radicalization in Iraq. This is the tool with which Erdogan is signaling that many Kurds will be, at the very least, banished from governing their regions, and thus can be predicted to become radicalized and thus easier to justify dealing with them militarily.
Also notice that Turkey will provide "expertise" in governing Kurdish regions of Syria while also claiming to support Syria's territorial integrity.
In both cases Erdogan signals his intentions to act beyond its authority, unwisely, and quite likely violently, towards Kurds.
7
This strikes me as far worse than giving Trump prime time television coverage. Setting the bar low, New York Times.
8
@Pierce Randall
I hear you. For instance, why didn't the Times have accompany this with a fact check? All the same, to me running this piece is approximately as bad as the TV networks giving Trump the air time for a propaganda un-real emergency. In the case of Syria, the dishonest nationalist brutal autocrat in training Trump announces our immediate withdrawal from Syria, which means we are abandoning overnight our allies the un-white 2 million or so Syrian Kurds. And, once we leave, the dishonest nationalist brutal autocrat Erdogan exterminates them.
3
Mr. Erdogan, this would be much easier if you could make some kind of arrangement with the Kurds. OK, they're not going to carve a country out of Turkey; we get that. But they will not stop fighting until they have something that works. Being lesser citizens of Turkey isn't working for them or you. You and they might want to review the arrangement they have in Iraq as a possible example.
With the Kurds on board, you and they would make quick work of ISIS, the Americans could go home, and everybody would have what they want except ISIS.
3
When President Erdogan says "there will be no victory for the terrorists" he is not limiting the terrorist label to just the Islamic extremists. He and his government have called the Kurds terrorists hence he will attack them. Our exit will advance his cause to kill the terrorists (Kurds). Erdogan has the power to do something that is politically dangerous. Cede some land to the Kurds and give them a homeland. Syria and Iraq could join this effort. Then the Kurds would have no need to be terrorists because they want a land to themselves. This would solve Turkey's Kurdish terror problem. Kurdistan would probably be a land-locked country and keeping relations good with its neighbors would have to be a national survival policy. A lot of other things would have to be considered with such a decision but working on those problems would be a better choice than killing those whom you do not like.
6
This opinion piece really irritates me because Erdogan starts with the comment that "Trump made the right call." This is a politically motivated line to support another authoritarian. Forget all the propaganda about Turkey, Syria, and the Kurds. Erdogan wants Trump in office.
3
Gee, problem solved. The only people left to sign off are Mar-a-Lago members and Vladimir Putin. So heartening to see our foreign policy in the hands of such capable, trustworthy parties. Truly Erdogan has our interest at heart. He said so, strongly.
3
I do not appreciate that the New York Times provides space for disinformation from leaders whose power depends on the suppression of the free word in politics, in the courts and in the press. My fist impulse is to cancel my subscription.
12
Mr. Erdogan would love to get the US troops out of the way so that he could send troops to decimate the Kurdish fighters who have been our staunch allies. That is his top priority. He is fearful that the Kurds will attain a stronger foothold in Syria, and ultimately their own state in Turkey. The Kurds have been steadfast allies of the US against ISIS and we MUST protect them - especially against Mr. Erdogan and his army. Any other course only strengthens ISIS and pulls the proverbial rug out from under our Kurdish allies.
74
“The Kurds have no friends but the mountains”.
5
@desha So because we armed and supported the Kurds in the fight against our mutual enemy ISIS, we are now supposed to support them in a war of independence against Turkey, our NATO ally? That's daft. That would be as silly as it was to invade and occupy Afghanistan so that women could have freedom and girls could go to school.
When we interfere in the affairs of other countries when uninvited and not ourselves threatened we lose legitimacy. No one gave us authority to police the world. Taking it when not given just turns us into bullies.
1
I think this opinion piece is very interesting and useful, and I would like to thank the Times for printing it. It is useful to get the Turkish perspective, both in the opinion piece itself, and in the comments by Turks, Kurds and others reacting to the article. If nothing else, it enlarges my understanding of the range of opinions about the Syrian crisis.
3
Publishing this propaganda is obviously an insult to your readers and to all Americans. But you inflicted an even deeper blow to the sensibilities of the many Turks who aspire to have something resembling a democracy. Shame on the NY Times.
5
Why would a respected journalistic organization such as the NYT give a thug dictator like Erdogan a platform for propaganda fit for Fox News?
Then we have Trump on national television with a multi-network roadblock tonight. Interesting and unfortunate times we find ourselves in.
5
Who let this guy write here? Isn’t it bad enough we’ve got our current President and any number of his administrative shills who criticize The Times only to be given ink to further their propaganda? I know my words sound contemptible...that is because they’re intended to be just that. Please.
5
Oh my but this bloody authoritarian has amazing chutzpah. Tell you what, Mr. Erodogan. First, you admit Turkey's guilt in committing genocide against the Armenians during WW1 and then we'll talk about current events. Until then, you don't have any moral standing to preach to the US, Israel - or any other nation on earth about geopolitics.
4
President Erdogan, having been a roommate with a Kurdish refugee who made her way on foot across borders at the age of 9 years old to a camp to wait for a country that would actually take her family, It is hard to find this transformation of the Turkish government and military into a force for global good and leadership to be credible. Issues of war, terrorism, and refugees are not getting better in Syria or in other parts of the world. Countries continue to slam the doors on the refugees sitting in the camps in Syria.
The fact that the Kurds fighting in Syria with the US against ISIS are seeking protection from President Assad against the government and military forces of Turkey with President Trump's announced troop pull out is not a day for global optimism. Do you also have the photo op planned for the current leader of the free world to come in when you have finished your personal strategic military campaign against the Kurds in Syria as you deal with the remnants of ISIS? I don't believe you can get the aircraft carrier into Syria for the thumbs up "Mission Accomplished" with everyone in their red MAG caps along side the military.
I would be interested in that military technology you promote to other governments that allows you to distinguish between the NATO allies and terrorists within a group with common ancestry. Surely it is more sophisticated that President Trump's idea that it is the religion where you come from?
2
Turkey can't tackle ISIS without logistical support from the US. More critically, Turkey can't be trusted with Kurds. The best solution is to carve out a Kurdistan, then all parties -- Syria, Kurds, and Turks -- can focus on ISIS within their own borders. The US only needs to stay in the region to stabilize the Kurds.
68
@Ron Diego So the United States is supposed to go in unilaterally and support militarily the establishment of an independent Kurdistan in Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq? In a region that has been torn apart by war for decades now, that is the last thing needed.
The British cavalierly carving up the region into countries made a mess and a muddle, but what was done is done. Best now to let those countries work out their future themselves.
Fascists don’t deserve an op-ed, nor the oxygen of publicity. You silly, silly people! What next, Orban explains his answer to “The Soros Problem”? Duterte on how he handles his own country’s opioid crisis? China reasonably explaining why it’s herding Muslims into camps?
Oh, why not get Friedman on again, after his job of soft-soaping a murderous Saudi (and how much did they ‘donate’ to you for that I wonder?), to explain why Jamal Khasoggi was such a irritant and that it’s entirely understandable why His Highness would want to chop him into pieces?
This absolutely beggars belief at a time when the world is growing darker. Why should a thug like Erdogan be given column inches to entrance the gullible? Ernest, pompous hand-wringing about journalistic integrity does not work with these people. They do not care one iota about your sanctimonious preachings about being the last defence against authoritarianism - and the latter doesn’t work if you’re collaborating with them to air their words! So pick a side, NYT - but be careful about sitting on a fence too long, or Erdogan’s police might come and blackbag you and haul you off to a squalid cell.
Subscription being seriously considered for the dustbin.
8
Yu sir hate Kurds.
Yu sir want their ancestral lands rich with natural resources.
Yu sir are a despot
We sir have trump as our pseudo leader because of mafia / Russian / oligarchic maneuvers and
Yu sir are taking advantage of the American , Kurdish and Turkish people.
I hate your rhetoric and it is garbage like our president.
We must help the Kurds.
6
Why are the NYT, one of the most prestigious papers in the world, running a piece with (no comment or criticism) written by a man who regularly butchers his own citizens in the East, arrests journalists, and basically helped prop up Islamic State in Syria. Shameful
9
In these days it is important to recognize that this is not only Mr. Erdogan’s opinion regarding Syria. Many people in Turkey believe in the same thing. Mr. Erdogan stating it doesn’t change the fact that it is true. We have lost many civilians after ISIS attacks and we are hosting millions of refugees because of a war that the US fueled. Turkish people of all political sides (seculars, conservatives, liberals) have no confidence in US after this point. We have showed that we are capable of destroying ISIS with operations along our borders in which the Turkish military succesfully neutralized ISIS militants. Syria is very important for Turkey as our stability depends on them. You may not like Mr. Erdogan but you can’t deny that fact. I, as a citizen who is a harsh critic of Mr. Erdogan’s policies in Turkey, urge all of you to read this as an article written by a huge majority in Turkey. Because even without the support of the US, we will do what is best for us. I would rather want the US to remain Turkey’s ally than Putin. Or else, our country will continue to head the wrong way.
35
@Emre As an avid researcher of world affairs, I have never ever found this perspective reflected from any source that's not under the power of this autocrat's increasingly authoritarian, paranoid regime.
8
Yes many Turks consider Kurds to be second class citizens worthy of oppression. This predates Erdogan and mirrors the denial of the Arminian genocide that is an article of faith among Turkish citizens regardless of their support for the current government. Until the latest act of repression the Kurds in Turkey were on their way to peaceful coexistence. Erdogan betrayed that process because they weren’t the complacent allies he wanted them to be.
9
@Bob T. - I have traveled to Turkey for 32 years and can vouch for the opinion expressed by Emre.
The Turks have a long proud history of of self reliance that spans nearly 1000 years and multi empires.
They exists today because they are a nation that unites in the face of essential threats.
To interpret Erdogan’s letter as the rant of an out of control autocrat is a failure to understand Turkish unity. In this matter Erdogan speaks for his nation.
3
Does this turkey think that all Americans are as stupid as trumpets?
Sad but hardly surprising.
7
It is true that a despot like Erdoogan might consider the P.K.K. a terrorist organization. The PKK seek real democratic reforms not just "lip service". They know it isn't realistic for an an immediate end of the state. But it doesn't mean they have to lay down and take it like it is.
The P.K.K. is working for a system of Democratic Self Organization with the features of a Confederation. Democratic confederalism understands itself as a coordination model for a democratic nation. It provides a frame- work, within which interalia minorities, religious communities, cultural groups, gender-specific groups and other societal groups can organize autonomously. This model may also be called a way of organization for democratic nations and cultures.
Abandoning the P.K.K. would be another disaster for U.S. Foreign Policy.
8
Erdogan writes: “In 2016, Turkey became the first country to deploy ground combat troops to fight the so-called Islamic State in Syria.” This op-ed is both a display of his hypocrisy and cynism. For years he had refused to fight ISIS and seen the Kurds as a greater threat to Turkey. On his watch, Turkey was the transit country for terrorists
In 2014 Turkish troops watched passively a mile from the Syrian border how ISIS besieged the town of Kobani and its Kurdish population. Initially he didn’t even allow Kurdish fighters to pass through Turkey to fight ISIS in Kobani, because he has always sought to weaken the Kurds. He played game with Obama, hoping to force the US to remove Bashar al-Assad.
In this op-ed he shows no desire to help Assad regain full control over Syria, by proposing “popularly elected councils” in the northeast held by the Kurds, which would be governed by the Sunnis.
He insists ISIS has been defeated, and takes aim at the US by expressing his concern “that some outside powers may use the organization’s remnants as an excuse to meddle in Syria’s internal affairs.” But he feels comfortable to have Iran and Russia dividing their spoils in Syria.
3
Just a small point for those who constantly worry about "unintended consequences". Not too many of those who call for "a free Kurdistan" are aware of the fact that genetically the Kurds are Iranian (in anthropologists' vernacular, they belong to the "Iranic race"). Not only that, they are culturally very close to Iranians.
So, once the Kurdish areas of Iraq, Syria, and Turkey join to form a country, they may in fact decide to form a confederation with Iran to: 1) protect their sparsely populated areas from military assaults by Turks and others; 2) provide their landlocked region access to sea (to the Persian Gulf, in this case); and 3) join the Kurds who are already part of Iran.
It is worth noting that there is already an amicable relationship between leaders of the autonomous Kurdistan in Iraq and the government in Tehran. In fact when the ISIS was moving rapidly, taking over large parts of Iraq in a matter of days, the Iraqi Kurds did not call on Washington or Baghdad for protection; they rather called on Tehran!
3
There are good reasons to support the withdrawal of US troops from Syria. Erdogan's promises are not one of them. On the contrary, there is every reason to believe that as soon as it happens Turkey will, with the assistance of Islamist terrorists that it has armed and trained, launch a murderous assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria. The Kurds understand this and are already making arrangements for Syrian Army forces to re-enter areas they control to defend them from a Turkish assault. Hopefully the threat of direct engagement with the Syrian Army or the Russians will discourage Turkiey's aggressive intentions.
The Kurds deserve their own country. They are the largest ethnic group in the world without one. Hopefully, they will be able to gain at least a measure of increased autonomy within a sovereign post-civil war Syria.
US troops need to come home. They weren't there for the benefit of the Kurds in the first place. Our sympathy for the Kurds and righteous distrust of Erdogan should not cause us to forget the profoundly destabilizing effect they were having not just on Syria but on the whole region.
4
I am originally from Bosnia.
I am still waiting on Mr. Erdogan and Turkey for the public apology on behalf of the Ottoman Empire (whose legal successors they are) for the medieval occupation and exploitation of my country.
The direct consequence of their oppression that lasted several centuries is that the original Bosnians split into the Bosniaks, the Serbs, and the Croats.
Those three groups have never learned how to be tolerant and good neighbors again.
Thus Turkey should be the last country in the world left in charge of Syria or trying to pacify the region.
Similarly, Istanbul failed to recognize a century ago at the end of the WWI that there were about 30 million Kurds in the region and that they should have their national state too.
9
We are fools if we don’t allow the regional players the opportunity to handle their own problems, which are so nuanced and confusing that I doubt they themselves know what they are fighting over at this point. Erdogan is far from perfect but certainly no worse than Netanyahu and he offers the prospect of solving problems that would not involve thousands of American lives and trillions of our dollars, and while on a subject that is sure to anger many , why don’t we use those dollars to build an obviously needed wall or would The Times prefer to continue reporting on the huge amounts of money we are spending on housing and caring for “asylum seekers”? How about housing for veterans and the working poor already here.
2
This coming from an autocratic dictator who wants the U.S. to deliver a government critic for elimination. Good one!
11
How preposterous to have an autocrat who mercilessly uses weapons of war, including fighter jets, again his own civilian Kurdish population lecture the world on terrorism.
Not to mention his cozy relationship with ISIS, and the flourishing black market in oil and arms that Turkey's deep state fosters and profits from.
And of course, Turkey remains the only foreign military occupying power in Europe (Cyprus), against all tenets of international law and every single UN resolution on the topic.
Who is this buffoon thinking that he is fooling with this self-serving op-ed?
But let's not be entirely one-sided: at least he hates the free press. That makes him a natural ally of The Most Successful Con Man in History.
10
@NatalieDo you realize you could just as easily be describing us along with Israel and The Saudis, the only difference is we’ve been at it a lot longer, btw have you noticed how cozy Bibi has become with Erdogan and MBS, now that he is threatened by the loss of Americas money and undying support.
@Natalie
He thinks he’s fooling Trump, Bolton, Pompeo....
It sounds like a recipe for a slaughter until Erdogan can get over his hatred for the Kurds and here-written plans to kill, imprison or disenfranchise their leaders.
He is obsessed. He will only exacerbate Turkey’s problems, giving him an endless adversary to refer to in his speeches and excuse for brutality. Why should the Kurds not feel justified anger at such a “plan”?
As ridiculous as Trump and his Mexican bogey-men but far more shameful and bloody.
Erdogan must be brave and rise above such feuds or it will just be more sorrow and more shame.
5
The putative author is about as trustworthy as the putative president of the US. Both are corrupt and autocratic. Both are malevolent and attack anyone who does not conform exactly to their beliefs and preferences. I do not even trust Turkey to perform properly within NATO so long as Erdogan is in power; he is clearly enthralled by and quite possibly in thrall to Putin. Again, he sounds very like trump, but relatively more powerful. It is a tragedy for the people of Turkey that the coup to remove him did not work. There is no sense in which he works on behalf of broad Turkish interests, let alone Kurdish or US interests. It is unfortunate the NY Times allowed him a platform.
7
@Ralph: With all due respect, Why deny Erdogan we give Kissinger, Bibi and MBS platforms as well as shill for image makeovers of Blankfein, Dimon, Rubin and their ilk after their actions did so much damage to Americans, I really fail to see what Turkey has done to us, but there are libraries full of books on the bad decisions the rest of these miscreants made that was so detrimental to Americans. To anyone who is more concerned with the well being of the citizens of nations other than their own I can say only their are daily flights available to some place one might feel more allegiance to.
1
After what Mr. Erdogan has done to the Kurds and anyone opposing him in Turkey, asking the US and the international community to trust him with the Kurds in Syria is akin to a child molester asking parents to let him babysit their kids.
9
I wouldn't vacation in Turkey while this guy's in power if you paid me a million dollars.
5
Turkey has called the Kurds terrorists for at least a century, in fact, did a genocide about it. The U.S. calls the Kurds allies. This will not end well.
7
Oh, well, if Mr. Erdogan says so, that settles that.
Right?
5
It is nice to have a forum for ideas to be debated and discussed in public. It works where we all agree on the basic rules with the understanding that democracy and non violent are the cornerstones.
The writer by his own words and more so his genocidal actions towards anyone who disagree with him exclude him from the conversation and the platform . His behavior and actions in building up ISIS with the hope that they will deal for him with the Kurds cost countless thousands of innocents lives.
He isn’t more qualified to take part in this conversation then Idi Amin Dada Is to participate in the future of Kenya ! He is a war criminal of the worst kind. I feel sad that you allow this murder a platform.
3
Ederogans piece is civil, sensible and, given it's source, clear as mud. The banter about whether the NYT should have published it is a denial of the importance of the free press, and that importance is the response from other writers ranging from these letters to other members of the press from many sources.
I my opinion Erdogan is not to be trusted, he is not a man of the people rather a man of 'his' people, the ones he selects. He does not represent the Turkey that was granted entrance into the EU, his Turkey is a muslim autocracy, for the time being anyway. His article has little, if any, reference to Turkeys allies including the US. He says little other than Turkey - He - can do everything beautifully, peacefully and he can do it alone.
It is valuable to us and others that the Times has chosen to publish what may soon be proven to be just more nonsense, lies and propoganda.
6
"Erdogan: Trump Is Right on Syria. Turkey Can Get the Job Done."
When you suggest Trump is right on anything, you are automatically considered a kook, but we already knew that was the case with Erdogan anway.
6
Interesting perspective from a Turkish perspective, but what are the American interests for pulling out of Syria? Did I miss something? And by the way, we should still be investigating the May 2017 incident in Washington, when American protesters were beaten on the street by Turkish thugs outside the Turkish embassy. We are not a dictatorship yet Mr. Erdogan. Take your propaganda elsewhere.
6
@Democracy
Are you SURE about that, still?
I'm looking forward to the opinion piece from Rodrigo Duterte justifying his drug policies; from Nicolás Maduro justifying his economic policy, Abubakr al-Baghdadi's remarks on religion and Vladimir Putin's plan for America.
I don't know how you can find the time to do all this! It's genius.
9
I'm aware it is an age old tradition of the NYT to allow those heads of state, politicians of all persuasions, other power brokers and folks in the public eye who are not from the fourth estate to use the opinion pages as their pulpit.
I think it is a grave mistake to do so.
1
He just wants to slaughter the Kurds. We owe it to the Kurds to stand by them. That is what allies do.
6
Yea, right. This coming from someone who wants to rebuild the Ottoman Empire in collusion with the American Oligarch. LOL
5
Putin: Trump Is Right on Syria. Russia Can Get the Job Done!
3
I am greatly disappointed with the Editorial Page of New Times to give Erdogan this important forum. I do not remind the New Times about atrocities of Turkey and particularly Erdogan toward the Kurds both in Turkey and all Middle East. At minimum New Times should invites a leader of Kurd in Turkey to publish an Op Editor piece in these pages so all New York Times readers and world would contrast what Erdogan has doe for cause of fighting ISIS as contrasted with Kurds in Syria who lost more than 4000 believing US promises toward them and the region.
5
If Turkey can get the job done, why hasn't it?
1
US was a big ally for Turkey. Our soldiers figth together against evil in Afghanistan, South Korea and everywhere when critical enemy was there. We need to bring that friendship back on track. US should clear killer religion leader and their hidden killer team FETO from US soils. Do not tell us about dictatorship when your best ally in the region is saudia and please act agains a killer group which openly killed one of your citizen in an embassy.
As Turks we are expecting US to stop sending any gun to kurdish terorist groups which are also accepted as terorist by US.
Erdogan is many time elected with support of more than 50% in Turkey. He is legitimate may be more than Mr Trump.
Do not loose your friends here. Do not force us to look for alternative friends: We saw how Putin is protecting his friends ( ESED) and how US treating his friends.
Please Support TURKEY -US longtime friendship
Well, aren’t you just the milk of human kindness, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Authoritarian, anti-democratic and a stain on your nation’s progress, you have wiped away any of your country’s steps toward a liberal democracy and you are, of course, aligning yourself with the Donald John Trump, a mercurial embarrassment to the US.
The very fact that the leader of a country with the economic problems of Turkey should boast of the size of its standing army is testament to the problems of its leadership. Of course, militarism is the brother of authoritarianism, so one cannot expect more of your leadership.
Please do the world a favour and either return your country to a path of freedom or go away and let someone who cares do it for you.
1
President Erdogan, free the political prisoners you jailed for trying to exercise free speech.
2
I’d like to thank the Times for publishing this; it’s important for Americans to get a good look at this particular kind of lying.
It was a tough but right decision by the Times to publish Erdogan. Tyrants and their disinformation campaigns are rightly subsumed by exposure to sunlight. Erdogan and perhaps Putin should state their cases and be properly rebutted by follow on articles and in the comments. Refusing to publish them is playing their game. The only requirement should be that the author wrote it, not his speechwriters.
2
Erdogan has zero credibility. We do not take advice from dictators.
1
Dear President Erdogan,
I am still dwelling on your visit to my country when you ordered your thugs to attack law abiding demonstrators. Obviously this is the way they do things in Turkey, but not in a real democracy.
5
The Ottoman Empire ain’t coming back.
2
Why is the New York Times giving a foreign President of a country with values diametrically opposed to our democracy space on its editorial page for an article that attempts to interfere with US policy and interests? Freedom of the Press does not extend to anti-democratic foreign leaders. If you feel some duty to let him express his views, have him buy commercial advertising space and clearly identify it as that of a paid commercial by a foreign leader.
2
Too many of these comments demonstrate what is wrong with our country. Too many commentators want to believe that the NYT editorial board is somehow supposed to be a 'protector of information' rather than a deliverer of information.
Asking for such a filter or protection from 'bad ideas' rather than deciding for ourselves based on prior knowledge of Erdogan's autocratic rule and behaviors exemplifies the new American who is so pure that the words of a dictator sullies everything it touches.
Wake up America! Do not blame the messenger!
Only the light of truth can cancel the darkness of deception when a rational mind is engaged.
2
This is nothing but a call by Erdogan to murder the Kurds who have along US military to defeat ISIS. Another example of weakness and shame brought upon our nation by Trump willingness to acquiesce to Turkey and Russia.
2
Dear Mr President Trump
Please dont allow this dictator to convince you to betray the people who shed their blood to stop those who put our citizens in orange suits and decapitated them
Please dont allow this dictator who lined up his tanks around Kobane when ISIS was slaughtering the Kurds with his soldiers cheering from across the border
Please dont allow this dictator to tell you that he will fight ISIS since he facilitated the transfer and training of 35,000 jihadists from around the world into Syria to join ISIS. Please dot allow this dictator who was threatening western citizens that nobody will be able to feel safe in their homes unless he would get his way
Please stop this mad dictator or Americas reputation and values will be worthless and nobody will stand side by side with our soldiers in fight against terrorism.
3
"President Trump made the right call to withdraw from Syria."
I guess Mr. Erdogan wrote this before he read this from yesterday's NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/06/world/middleeast/bolton-syria-pullout.html
I suppose then that Mr. Erdogan can also expect a delay of months or perhaps years before he can implement his policies. I'm sure that the Syrian Kurds will be happy to wait.
2
Yes, and meanwhile Mr. Erdogan can consolidate his hold on power and kill Kurdish fighters. Yes, the same Kurdish fighters that have established the most democratic regime in the region in Rojava and done more to harm ISIS than the Turks are the ones that Mr. Erdogan seeks to destroy. What a ridiculous article - who are you fooling, Mr. Autocrat? No wonder you and Trump get along so well.
1
Whew. Our favorite autocratic dictator has now weighed in. Let's hope the toxic MBS of Saudi Arabia concurs. Then, with Trump, Putin, Erdogan, and MBS, all of the world's most toxic leaders will have divided up the fate of the poor people of Syria.
1
"...other terrorist groups in Syria" is what worries us,
President Erdogan, because it means that you will go after the Kurds, plain and simple.
2
Oh yes, let’s trust the man whose administration has taken Darwin out of the clasrooms to do the right thing. Corruption and fanatism are the main obstacles to the reconstruction in Syria and the whole region is ill equipped to deal with that. In fact, as of late, the whole world is ill equipped to deal with that.
2
Without a wholesale slaughter of Iraqi and Turkish Kurds? Seems very unlikely.
1
First of all, he is one of the reasons Syria is in this situation. If he has not wanted this war, it would be not started or finished by now. He lied a thousand times and lying again. Who believes a dictator Turkey has the highest number of journalist in its prisons, the economy is going down but Erdogan and his family are one of the richest family of all the world.Corruption and squandering everywhere . There is no law in the country. Judges and prosecutors are following his directions, and he wants us to trust him to help him. To support him will be the biggest mistake for all countries. He is using this bloody war for his family and friends fortune. They are the biggest illegal business partners in that area. He is threating European countries with refugees, taking their money and using for his desires. Unfortunately, people chose the wrong leaders for decades except for a couple of ones, or they did not sacrifice enough to deserve democracy, or they are not brave to carry the responsibility of democracy in the Middle Eastern countries. I am sorry for all innocent people and war victims.
1
Well I am quite sure that President Erdogan did not write this article himself. Instead, it was doubtless written by one of his well paid US lobbyists. If it said what he really thinks, which anyone can read in the Turkish press, it would be quite different. Things like cleansing Northern Syria of the "terrorist Kurds," working with Iran to evade US sanctions, and reclaiming Turkey's rightful territory all the way to Vienna. I am quite shocked that the NYT decided to publish it. Let's start with Turkey deploying ground forces to fight ISIS in 2016. That was after Turkish tanks stood at the border observing ISIS efforts to obliterate the Kurdish opposition in Kobani in 2014 and well after the US began an air campaign in 2015 supporting the valiant efforts of the SDF, a multi-religious, multi-ethnic self defense force. And there is Turkey's 2018 rape of Afrin using jihadi recruits including those well known to be ISIS and Al Qaeda fighters. And ISIS commanders living openly in Turkey. Turkey's actions in Afrin, well documented to constitute ethnic cleansing and war crimes that continue to date, hardly recommend it to the world as a peacekeeping force. Indeed, the vast majority of remaining terrorists in Syria, outside a small area along the Euphrates, are in Turkish occupied parts of Syria, including (tragically) Afrin--once the freest and safest place in Syria. The article makes things sound lovely. Too bad it is total fiction.
3
Thank you President Erdogan
Of course the problem here is that Syrian Kurds and armed Syrian Kurds are one and the same, and you are using words to try and separate. Your intention is to disarm the Syrian Kurds by going door to door looking for "children." Who is going to identify "terrorist members of the PKK in Syria versus Syrian Kurds?" Turkey? I don't think so. Do they smell different? Do they look different? Of course not! Under your auspices, the temptation will be too great for you to essential turn them into passive Eunuchs. In reality, the Syrian, Iraqi, and Turkish Kurds deserve a state of their own. It doesn't matter where and certainly not in Turkey or as a threat to Turkey. Know this: we will be watching.
2
Dear Mr. Erdoğan; You are used to define who is a Terrorist and who is not. Sadly some journalists have been fingerpointed by you and have been jailed or declared outlaws. Mr. Erfogan; you have already iniated relocation inside turkey with effect that ethnic majorities could be in doubt and therefore people lost their rights.
Another President, Putin, resently wins a war (and territory) in ukrain. I think you, Mr. Erdogan like to do the same. Civil rights will stop you? Other leaders demonstrate how flexible human- and civil rights can be handled: e.g. Saudi Arabia.
The Kurds have supported the US during the Gulf wars. The US should help them by carving out the separate state specifically for them. Turkey, Syria, and Iraq should be told to back off, if necessary, with bombs. Erdogan needs to be put in his place.
1
The Kurds are our allies. Why are you killing our allies in our fight against ISIS? The US cannot accept this.
1
Funny, that's what the Armenians heard, too.
1
Nice to hear from the Hittite King Ottoman Sultan wannabe autocrat master Recep Erdogan who regularly and routinely baffles and befuddles the ignorant, immature, immoral, incompetent, inexperienced, intemperate and insecure President of the United States.
Among America's most effective and motivated allies in the fight against the evil malign Sunni Muslim Wahhabi Arab extremist organized terrorist likes of al Qaeda and ISIS are Sunni Muslim Kurds. Erdogan is focused on fighting the Kurds instead of al Qaeda and ISIS.
Sunni Muslim Turks are also opponents of Sunni Muslim Arabs and Shia Muslim Arabs and Persians aka Iranians. The Arabs and Persians are also foes of the Kurds. The Kurds do not have a nation state where they are a majority. Saladin was a Kurd.
America needs to preserve and protect the Kurds at all costs.
3
People create this image of a person, country, race based on sound-bytes from a limited amount of sources, out-of-context with time and culture and than put everything through that filter.
Erdogan might not be what you love. But just like Trump or Macron or any bunch of leaders in the west got elected by a system in polls with no funny business. In fact he got elected with much larger margin than Trump did.
So before you start character assassinations or blaming NYT stop using your tainted filters and look at the content of the proposition. Have you heard anything as comprehensive from anyone else ?
What do you think would have happened if the US stayed? If its a filter, track-record you want to compare look at all the other places it stayed and level of success in stabilizing it...
Turkey has much more at stake than the US in the stability of Syria. I mean think if Syria was where Mexico is and what that would mean for the national security of its northern neighbor...
Istanbul was the main transit point for ISIS recruits from around the world to enter Syria. Erdogan: "We let the terrorists in, we can get them out."
2
It is false for Erdogan to talk about ISIS and the YPG in the same article. They are vastly different. Nice try, Recep. How about, as a first step, allowing a Kurdish autonomous region in Turkey, you can fill it with Turkish Kurds without any ties to terrorist groups. So what if your rich friends don't get construction contracts from there, your friends are already too wealthy. Share some of the wealth with the people you say you care about.
1
Are you kidding me NYTimes!?
This man is a dictator and a danger to not only the Kurdish peoples but to his own people. He wants to drag that Turkey back to an Islamist theocracy and expand the old Ottoman empire into Greece! He threatens to renege on treaties with Greece right to the Greek prime ministers face on Greek soil and has been instrumental in flooding Europe with migrants and refugees. I can’t believe you gave him a platform.
1
Can we expect an Op-ED from Putin, explaining why Trump is correct about Russia, next?
2
Turkey can get the job done?
What job did you have in mind?... the slaughtering of our Kurdish allies?
1
Erdogan supports Hamas and the right to return to the Palestinians and the destruction of Israel but not the rights of the Armenians to return What a hypocrisy
2
@GDK last I checked Armenia is on the map. Nobody in Turkey is refuting Israel's right to exist, but Palestinians also have a right to exist, not in an open air prison
2
Turkey would use the occasion to eliminate Kurds.
1
"Turkey proposes a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the root causes of radicalization. We want to ensure that citizens do not feel disconnected from government, terrorist groups do not get to prey on the grievances of local communities and ordinary people can count on a stable future."
Mr. Erdogan I suggest that you start at home. Free your political prisoners, free your press, free your own citizens.
2
Dear Mr. Erdogan
No one believes you.
You're a patriarchal religious zealot.
You're a liar.
You're a dictator.
You're a murderer.
But you might get a sympathetic ear from our current president.
8
@SteveRR and who exactly did Erdogan murder? You must have confused him with Assad or MBS
A rising dictator saying a wanna-be dictator is correct in his thinking, is no assurance at all for us folks who believe in constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and international peace.
Mr. Erdogan, Ataturk is rolling over in his grave because of your authoritarian actions.
12
The saddest moment in recent Turkish history was when Erdogan escaped the incoming troops and it became clear that the coup had failed.
The Middle East would be a far better place had things gone differently that night.
6
Well, since this quasi-dictator says so, we should all feel confident about trump's tweet (I won't elevate it to "decision").
2
Dear President Erdogan,
Please get back to us when Turkey becomes a true democracy again.
And stop attacking the Kurdish people.
Then you can preach to us.
9
Erdogan is trying to achieve through deception what he failed to achieve by supporting the terrorists and fighting against the Syrian government. President Assad may not be a democrat, but he won an election, just like Erdogan, and unlike Arab autocrats who have been supporting all the terrorist groups he has been fighting them. In Syria, after all the killings and destruction, he provides the only realistic alternative to the terrorists. US's intense hostility to Iran, allegedly in support of Israel, has forced her to go to bed with dictators, such as the Saudi bone-saw wielding butcher, take part in the massacre of tens of thousands of innocent people in Yemen and to pursue incoherent policies in the Middle East as a whole. May be after decades of failed policies, it is time for the US to develop a logical strategy, allow Russia and Iran to end the rule of Sunni militants in Syria and Iraq, and push for a regional security strategy respecting the rights of all regional states. Russia may be an opponent, but she has greater stakes in the Middle East than US from 8,000 miles away. The best way to ensure Israel's security is not to back her illegal activities, but make her come to terms with other major players, Iran, Turkey and Egypt in the region. Trump's decision to withdraw forces from Syria is correct, but he must go beyond that and develop a coherent regional strategy.
4
@Frank 95 the guy that gassed his own people...Are you kidding? Assad is a mass murderer
2
If we could trust Turkey to protect the Kurdish people Erdogan's argument might hold water.
But Erdogan and Trump are two peas in a pod. Their word is not their bond, it's just air expelled across their vocal cords.
More than anything, I want to leave Syria to the region to fix, leave Afghanistan to the Afghans, stop giving the Saudis the ability to kill Yemen children. I would love to be able to trust Turkey and the Saudi prince, who embraced his inner hip hop and goes by MBS.
But I don't trust any of them, because they have never earned trust. I'd like other countries to pick up the policing duty - but they need to be people we want on the force.
7
Turkey is in for a very big surprise if they go toe-to-toe with the Kurds. A people persecuted and denied a nation will fight to the death to gain one. The Turks will cut and run.
2
I think that Mr Erdogan has only one objective in mind; to crush the Kurds, all his arguments are only smoke and mirrors...why is he so worried about American presence in Syria; if he wants to fight the Islamic state I would have thought all help would be appreciated... They are the only possible opposition after judges, journalists and teachers were "neutralised" (that is removed from their post and/or imprisoned). It is a pity that EU propped his dictatorship in exchange to keeping the Syrian refugees in Turkey.
7
We should not trust this man but we will need to work with him....... on our terms.
We should not trust Putin but we will need to work with him in the middle east on our terms.
Same for Iran
Same for the house of Saud.
etc, etc , etc.
No one in that Region is trustworthy but they are all in the game.
We need to engage and control their options to disrupt.
3
Everyone is saying this should not have been published because Erdogan is a bad guy, does not respect freedom of speech etc etc. When I learned about free speech, i guess I fell asleep at the part where they mentioned it being conditional.
4
@Hakan They could have published it with appropriate commentary and caveats that this is coming from a dictator.
Free Speech doesn't mean that you have to offer an uncritical and unfettered platform for someone's propaganda.
1
The real threat to Europes security is not Donald Trump. In 2016 Mike Pompeo, at that time CIA Director wrote in a tweet: Turkey is a "Islamic dictatorship". Erdogan is referring to Human Right Watch. Maybe Erdogan should read the UN-report from march 2018, where UN Human Rights Office concluded:
1 - Profound human rights violations against hundreds of thousands of people – from arbitrary deprivation of the right to work and to freedom of movement, to torture and other ill-treatment, arbitrary detentions and infringements of the rights to freedom of association and expression.
2) The report also documents use of torture and ill-treatment in custody, including severe beatings, threats of sexual assault and actual sexual assault, electric shocks and waterboarding by police, gendarmerie, military police and security forces.
Link to report:
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22853
The Kurds in Syria have fought and died to free Syria from ISIS. Thanks to the Kurds and the US soldiers people in Europe can live in relative peace. While US soldiers and Kurds fought ISIS Erdogan supported ISIS.
In April 2018 Foreign Policy an article where it was stated that In 2013 alone, some 30,000 militants traversed Turkish soil, establishing the so-called jihadi highway, as the country became a conduit for fighters seeking to join ISIS .
Turkey is a NATO ally but Erdogan is the biggest threat to us living in Europe.
6
It's funny how this moderate sounding piece was published a few hours before Erdogan snubbed meeting John Bolton in Turkey, and then went before Turkish Parliament to denounce the US decision NOT to withdraw immediately. Erdogan wants the US out right now, not three months from now, because he has elections coming up, and with the Turkish economy turning south he needs to whip up some nationalist fervor by beating up on the Kurds.
So he uses honey to try to win the hearts of the NY Times reading Americans, while he uses fire to win the hearts of his countrymen.
8
Erdogan's real intent is masked by the lack of a specific definition for "terrorists," but we can guess what he thinks based on past behavior. The Kurds didn't need an op-ed in the NYT to know that he's coming for them, but there it is.
5
I'm not opposed to Erdogan publishing a piece in the NYT. I am surprised that he would open himself to criticism by people he can't incarcerate. Trusting Him to treat the Kurds, our allies, fairly is a mistake. If we must leave, arm them heavily.
3
Turkey, with its jails full with thousands of native born academics, journalists and businessmen whom Mr. Erdogan thinks are 'terrorists', should not and cannot be trusted to do anything right in Syria. If anything he wants a land grab, he wants to eliminate a vulnerable minority, the Kurds, through ethnic cleansing, and to expand a virulent Saudi brand of Islam into the Syrian realm. We should not aid and abet his efforts - period. Let Syria run its own affairs, with whomever they choose to help them. Nothing should be imposed on Syria from anyone outside of Syria.
2
I really want to give President Erdogan the gracious welcome that, in Islamic societies, gets extended to one’s guests. It says something that he, so hostile to a free press, publishes here. He is no impulsive child, like our tragically incompetent leader. I want to trust the man, since Turkey is our only hope in a geopolitical disaster that both Obama and Trump made worse.
Yet for all the goodwill apparently contained in this article, the best test of what he calls a moderate and inclusive Turkey lies in his deeds. I have worked with Turks on cultural exchanges for over a decade. Every intellectual and secular Turk I know in his nation, every academic and artist, wants out. They have been terrorized...by his government and its anti-democratic acts.
So, Mr. President, show us in the States that you are Ataturk’s heir, not Putin’s newest friend. We have had quite enough of that since 2016 here.
4
Steps needed to re-establish the Ottoman Empire (of which Syria was an integral part): get everybody else out of Syria. Start with the easiest to pry loose: the U.S.
1
The weapons don’t fall from the sky.
Who did arm the ISIS? It is impossible to create the ground army without significant foreign influence, aid and assistance.
At the beginning of the story there was no ISIS in Syria.
Syria borders Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan. All of them are the American allies.
At least one of them armed the ISIS. Lebanon’s Hezbollah didn’t do it, neither the Assad regime, nor Putin, nor Iran.
Who did it?
The conflict started in 2011 are we still don’t know the name of real culprit.
If we haven’t learned how, when, and where we made the mistake, we are doomed to repeat it.
There is the tragic historic pattern here. Yugoslavia, Iraq, Syria and Libya were the socialist countries, thus the natural obstacle to the spread of radical fundamentalism and ideology. All of them were pushed into the terrible civil conflicts.
If that’s not the crime against humanity, then what it was?
Remember, when the carnage started there was no Trump in the White House!
1
Of course the current autocrat of Turkey is in agreement with the US autocrat in training. Birds of a feather.
Question to people in the USA. Do you want to make the same mistake of the people in Turkey?
When they awoke to realize their Democracy was stealthily stolen it was too late. Erdogan had already consolidated power.
2
So why not build a big beautiful wall? Problem solved, next..
I did a double take when i saw Erdogan name under the article.
Most if not all think he should not be published . However, if you read the article he is honest and clear with his own words .He will terminate the Kurds infrastructure .
We must not let this happen .
1
Given that Erdogan pronounced on Dec. 12th that Turkey is set to launch a military intervention in northeastern Syria to combat U.S.-backed Kurdish rebels it regards as terrorists, stating that “We will start our operation in a few days to liberate areas east of the Euphrates River from terrorist organizations.”
Within one week, on Dec. 19th, Trump announced an immediate pull-out of US forces, after having spoken to Erdogan on Dec. 14th and Dec 16th. It's obvious that Erdogan's influence in this irrational decision overrode anything that his "best" generals had to say.
On another note, it's semantically interesting that Erdogan uses the term "so-called" Islamic State until the last paragraph. Apparently, he needs the "so-called" State to become a reality in terms of "counting on the support of the "international community."
No matter how Erdogan wants to disguise it, the only thing that's in it for him is to end the 40 year-old conflict with his "so-called" rebellious enemies. Apparently, the POTUS is so clueless that he fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.
2
@wysiwyg he used "so called" because they are not islamic and not a state.
Everybody knows that Erdogan is a brutal dictator, but that doesn't change the fact that he's there and we're here and he has a lot more at stake in resolving this conflict than does the US. Should we trust him to do everything he says? When was the last time you trusted any politician to follow through on every promise? The alternative to trusting him and letting Turkey take control of a situation in their own back yard is to keep American troops committed to yet another endless war. As insane as that sounds, that's what I see so many commenters suggesting. What happened to the venerated readers at the NY Times, who were once so vehemently opposed to wars of choice? Oh wait, I think I know. Trump is also opposed to these sorts of wars of choice that have very little in the way of articulable objectives. If Trump is for it, I guess you have to be opposed-- irrespective of where that puts you. I guess we all need to stay pure to the cause, less we be found lacking in sufficient orthodoxy, even if that means a complete 180 degree change on this or any other policy for which we once advocated.
2
Turkey will get the job done by slaughtering Kurds in Turkey.
Trump was wrong to announce a pull out from Syria without consulting our allies and negotiating protections for the Kurds who have done most of the fighting for us.
1
Just the other day at a political rally in Izmir, this man sang a verse from an anti-Greek song that literally says "throw the Greeks back in the sea." His jets violate the airspace of Greece, an American ally, practically on a daily basis. And he is counting on the international community to stand with him?
1
I am Turkish American, follow Turkish news closely, and visit frequently. Let me explain the view from Turkey.
I strongly oppose Erdogan because of his autocratic ways. However, if there is one thing that opponents as well as supporters of Erdogan in Turkey agree on, it is the existential threat to the country from Kurdish separatist terrorists. (Of course not all Kurds are terrorists, but there are Kurds who have committed atrocities on Turkish soil.) It is similar to how Israelis view Hezbollah.
Imagine how an American would feel if a NATO country arms a group pledging allegiance to Bin Laden, or how an Israeli would feel if Americans arm and support Hezbollah (Shiites) because they fight ISIS (Sunnis).
Kurdish YPG in Syria fight ISIS in the interest of self preservation, not as a favor to Americans. But they are affiliated with PKK (a terrorist organization); their offices in Syria are full of jailed PKK leader's - Abdullah Ocalan's - photos and their bylaws pledge allegiance to him (this is the Bin Laden analogy above), just as an example.
Kurds in Syria have avoided conflict with Assad and did nothing while Assad was killing and gassing Syrians by the thousands. Just because they are being good "allies" to the US (i.e., serving American interests and I suspect next the US and Israel will unleash the Kurds against Iran) doesn't mean they (armed factions, of course not all Kurds) haven't committed atrocities in Turkey.
This is the view from Turkey.
3
These are the justifications that Erdogan dare not admit, but they are true. Erdogan will use them as he begins his long-planned genocide of the Kurds.
Once again, Trump enables a murderous tyrant.
2
Yes, Turkey and get the job done!
Let's not forget the Aremenian genocide of 1915.
Imagine what could happened to the Kurds in Syria, whom Erdogan labels "terrorists" simply for seeking self-determination.
1
The Times does not just print Mr. Erdogan’s viewpoint. They are also known for printing the news. You should not get your information from one op-Ed column. It would also be helpful if trump did not get his information from one phone call with Mr. Erdogan. Based on some comments here Mr. Erdogan has not convinced everyone of his viewpoint. Mr. Erdogan’s previous actions speak far more loudly than his words.
1
The US "elite" media do not take Erdogan seriously when he fails to hate Trump sufficiently. On the other hand, when he and his regime came out feverishly against Trump's Saudi "friends," they were ready to nominate him for a (much discredited) Peace Prize.
1
It’s hard to find fault with a man who just did exactly what you asked him to do. It’s a pity we don’t have a President who works as carefully for our interests. Maybe we should ask Putin to instruct Trump to protect America? Then maybe something will be done.
Mr. Erdogan is a terrorist whose genocidal dictatorship has sponsored ISIS for years. By contrast, the YPG and PKK are democrats of the highest order. The addition of the PKK on the FTO list under political pressure from the Turks is illegal under international law, and opposed by 90% of World governments, and the United Nations. Mr. Erdogan is desperate to annihilate the flourishing democracy in northern Syria. He must not be permitted to do so. One hopes it will not be too much longer before he is under arrest.
1
I support independence for the Kurds and I really don't care about what it does to Turkish dictator Erdogan or to his country.
IMO Turks should recognize and admit their role in the Armenian genocide before making high-minded claims about being an ally of the USA in the perpetual "war on terror."
1
Pretty cool when a head of state offers a column, and of course you take it. But this man's actions have convinced me to disregard anything he might so. So: DRTA. Didn't read, too autocratic.
He knows more than the generals.
US must listen to this call from Erdogan and think. No need for romance in making a homeland for anyone. Turkey is under clear and present threat from the YPG and it will no way tolerate terrorists` continued existence on the border. Now Turkey is reaching out and asking to ensure that they take action whatever they planned in coordination with US as well as Russia. What more anyone can ask of Turkey who does not have any other objective; no oil field, no land grab nothing but ensure border security along the Syria and sending these refugees back to their home in a sustainable manner.
Here is a scenario say there are 3.5 million Syrians, arabs and kurds living inside Texas border, they are refusing to go back to Mexico unless a terrorist group, YPG, in Mexico is eliminated, furthermore if the terrorists, YPG, inside Mexico have been constantly making raids and killing American civilians and government forces inside USA for the last 40 years where the death toll of Americans are in tens of thousands? and if China calls and says they do not want US to take any action because China wants a homeland for the terrorists, they want to see a homeland for the terrorists, YPG, along Texas border, What would Americans do democrats or republicans?
2
It is good hearing from our top Presidential advisers. I'm sure that Putin is "on board" as well. Are you listening Mitch? This is the GOP platform for 2020.
1
President Erdogan and NYT: Lots of “hot air” and the affirmation by Turkey of what the White House has said already: Not so fast, the U.S. will not pull out tomorrow!
And if the U.S. Military does leave, then there are the dozens of PMCs that operate in this and other regions and that we can expect to take over. Moving the Syria conflict “off the U.S. Military’s Balance Sheet” is not a solution to the conflict in Syria, or elsewhere.
Preventing ill-motivated insurgents from (re)establishing footholds in the region must remain a priority for Turley, the U.S., Russia and Israel. An enforceable, political consensus solution that protects civilians, returns the region to stability, and that enables normal life to return, however, must be the goal.
Sadly, I have not seen a plan for this from anyone.
2
The U. S. Policy under Trump towards those governments who oppose ISIS is no different than our Cold War policy was under every Republican and Democratic president since WWII during the Cold War: if you claim to be against Communism and Socialism we will keep silent regarding your behavior towards your own citizens.
So if you are Russia or China and claim to be fighting “Islamic extremism” or any other country claiming to do the same , you have the U.S.’s blessing.
1
President Erdogan doesn't mention that there are U.S. and allies' friends on his list of terrorists. He obscures that by implying that "some" Kurds are safe. He must be counting on how the U.S. with Donald Trump has become an unreliable friend.
1
@Terry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9RU2zmWxjI get with it Terry
Will the Time give equal time to the Kurds?
2
Yeah, I'm going to follow the advice of someone who has been crushing civil rights and lies to the media as a matter of course. I think it's perfectly reasonable to trust a nation that has a history of genocidal behavior; I'm sure they'll do right by the Kurds.
2
I would like to know which PR firm wrote this. Erdogan is a rising dictator whose last concern for Turkey, let alone Syria is "adequate political representation." Adequate?" Who gets to decide that?
Turkey will, "Destroy Isis and other Terrorist groups in Syria." Are we really to believe the Kurds aren't one of those?
I can see Erdogan pointing to this slick, shady editorial a year from now, while he eliminates all democratic institutions and jails or liquidates his opposition. He'll explain to us - and he will be right - that he hasn't changed any of his stated goals.
1
I actually commend the NYT decision to publish this piece as it rather clearly states the end goal of Erdogan: the YPG and his "affiliates" however defined (i.e. the majority of the Kurd population) are terrorists and will be treated as such and not allowed to be part of the new Syrian community. Turkish officials will make sure that everything runs smoothly.
Translated: military occupation and eradication of Kurds from Syria.
Its more risky trusting Mr. Erdogan than it is to trust Trump.
And I wouldn't trust this ruthless and aggressive dictator as far as I could throw him, given the chance (I'm in great shape...).
Since we have no clue what Trump's policy is, because he has yet to settle on the retroactive truth that will make his silly Tweet look rational, there is no way to judge him except on the practical implications and moral dimensions of his breathless announcement.
ISIS is not defeated, if they were they would certainly be planning a powerful comeback in light of Trump's desperation to turn tale and run away.
When it comes to the Kurds, Trump is already a failure. The biggest failure of any President in the history of America. Bigger than Obama.
He is a faithless ally, having relied on these people to carry out his conflict then walking away, leaving them alone on the battlefield to face the tender mercies of Erdogan, who speaks here of crushing "terrorists" (of which the Kurds are one, in his estimation) not crushing ISIS.
Any talk of crushing is odd, since Trump claims they are already crushed.
We can't see it because our newly finished wall blocks the view.
Speaking of walls, the dictator and the schlub could get together and create an independent Kurdistan; Trump could warm up by building a wall around the place.
Still, Trump is impressively consistent in his adoration of violent dictators, and his inability to still his fluttering heart long enough to see them clearly.
1
@oogada A "dictator" that won the popular vote, unlike some model democracies...
Turkey can get the job done. Sure, like 1915.
1
@Joe Smith FYI, Turkey was founded in 1923
Terrorism is a military strategy, it isn't an enemy that can be defeated. Refugees and revolutionaries are the result of bad economics and can only be fixed by making economies work for everyone and not just the elites, you can't bomb or kill your way out of the harm caused by bad economics.
You’re really not fooling anyone, Mr. Erdogan. Trump fans may support your op-ed, but the majority of Americans know you’re authoritarian leader who doesn’t believe in civil liberties...
1
TO: Presixent Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Your Excellency,
Your words are not believable in the Occident, where personal freedoms and liberty of the individuals are valued and reasonably well observed.
1
During the 500+ years of Ottoman rule, Arab nations never fought with each other and lived in total peace.
1
I'm so glad that Trump is not even half as smart as Erdogan, or our democracy would be in the same state as Turkey's.
1
Mr. Erdoğan is a threat to the entire region. What keeps him in check for the moment is a worsening economy in Turkey. Left unchecked, given the constant barrage of threats coming from him and his mad ultranational cabinet, against all his neighbors one would easily surmise that the fox is not the proper gatekeeper for the chicken coop. Just yesterday at a campaign stop in Smyrna he recited a poem of driving the Greeks into the sea. For those who don't know, it refers to the massacre of primarily women and children refugees thrown by the Turks from the Smyrna quey into the sea where they perished. Hemingway describes the brutality of the scene as well as the apathy of American ships turning about and sailing away letting folks drown by the thousands. Encouraged by our own Strongman-in-Chief, Erdogan is capable and will unleash such devastation in the region that Syria would look peacefull in contrast. His own folks are fleeing his iron fist rule from Turkey by the hundreds of thousands while Mr. Trump chitchats nonsense with his fellow traveler. He loves big mouths like himself, admiring Erdogan's ability to imprison journalists, teachers, jurists and anyone that utters the word liberty. No, our ships should not turn about once again.
The Kurds deserve to live in peace in their own country and Turkey's neighbors free of fear. The Turks themselves deserve to be free from this corrupt man imagining himself the next bygone era Sultan.
1
I won't dignify the dictator and murderer Erdogan with a response.
Of course Erdogan wants the US to withdraw so that he can continue undisturbed with the war and ethnic cleansing on the Kurdish people. They were the strongest ally to the US in the Syrian conflict and in the fight against ISIS. But that and $5 buys you a cup of coffee.
1
Remember the Armenians. Remember the Kurds. That's all I can say. Don't let history repeat itself a third time.
73
@Shiv It will be more than the third time. Please let's not forget the Assyrians and the anatolian Greeks, nor the Alevis who have also been violently suppressed.
1
When will NATO end the denial and kick Erdogans Turkey out of NATO- or at least Pause membership. They are not an asset to NATO, but a liability. A Neo-Islamist quasi democracy who pursue domestic and international policies completely at odds with European values and instincts. If they attack Kurds it will reflect very poorly on the Western Alliance.
1
"The Job"
I believe that Pres. Erdogan has stated only half of what he considers to be the whole job. No one quibbles with his desire to protect his regime against the so-called Islamic State. But what is the other half of your goal, Sir? You know, the one you didn't mention to Pres. Trump on the phone. Hard to believe you have forgotten it. I am sure the leaders of the US government's Kurdish allies have not.
This is so broadly stated as to be able to be interpreted any way you want as the situation strikes you: "Local councils in predominantly Kurdish parts of northern Syria will _largely_ consist of the Kurdish community’s representatives whilst ensuring that all other groups enjoy fair political representation. Turkish officials with relevant experience will _advise_ them on municipal affairs, education, health care and emergency services," as if you can create your own "Turkish man's burden" to tell the Kurdish people how to manage their own society. Funny how you are unwilling to turn Turkey into a truly European state with Western values in order to join the EU, but you expect the Kurdish people to embrace your wise Turkish advice.
1
Now Erdogan, and perhaps Putin, can allow the publication of a counter argument in their leading newspapers. My vote is for Malcolm Nance or our own Socrates to pen it.
2
I am a Kurd living in Turkey under the repression of Erdogan. I support freedom of expression for everybody but giving a column to a totalitarian dictator is not something I wound want to pay for.
126
@Kubilay
@Kubilay please convey to your Kurdish friends we in America REALLY appreciate their bravery and effective fighting successes. To command 30% of the country while driving ISIS out is a REAL accomplishment.
If you can answer, do you trust Erdogan and his plan? In your opinion how important is America's presence?
Thanks again for your enormous help and good luck and God's speed in your future under such a dictator.
2
Erdogan knows what the US is concerned about, and this piece does little to alleviate those concerns. He has essentially conflated ISIS and the PKK. Those two groups have very different goals. ISIS is attempted to establish an international fundamentalist caliphate, and has shown their intention of destabilizing countries far beyond the Levant. The PKK is an ethnic nationalist group. By lumping those two together, Erdogan is confirming American fears that Turkey will use the Syrian civil war to clamp down on Kurdish nationalism.
2
I could barely get past the part where you boasted of Turkey's 2016 "intervention" to stop ISIS.
As I recall, from 2014 through 2016, Turkey allowed the IS to extend its control right up to its southern border, where a large scale smuggling operation in petroleum was allowed to operate right under the nose of the Turkish. It wasn't until the YPG started retaking the border areas that Turkey even thought to send its own forces into Syria, and then only far enough to prevent the Kurds controlling that strip of border.
When Kobani was on the verge of falling, we practically had to pull your teeth out in order to get you to allow reinforcement to move through Turkish territory to the besieged defenders.
And now ISIS is all but defeated, Assad is consolidating his control in the east, and the Kurds in the west. With ISIS gone and the Turkish military not having shown any inclination to fight the Syrian army themselves, what role exactly does Turkey hope to play in Syria now? "Local councils" indeed. You don't have to be a clairvoyant to predict which "locals" will get Turkish backing and which will be declared "outside the process."
5
Recep, while we have you here, lay off Enes Kanter.
Yeah, his play on the defensive end of the basketball court stinks to high heaven - but he should every right to call you any name in the book if he believes your performance warrants it.
That's what we do in the modern world. If you can't take the heat, then my advice is to time transport back to the dark ages - and take Trump and Putin with you.
We see can now see the real reason why Mr. Erdogan wants the U.S. to withdraw from Syria now:
He refused to meet with John Bolton after the NSA said the U.S. will not withdraw unless Turkey gives assurances that they will not attack the Kurds.
According to the Washington Post, Erdogan said Bolton had made a “very serious mistake” by demanding protection for U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria.
4
I was somewhat surprised to read this. While it has a reasonable tone it doesn't explain Turkey's relationship with Kurd forces in Syria on a going forward basis when U.S. forces leave Syrian. My understanding has been that U.S. forces are all that prevent Turkish forces from attacking these fighters, many of whom have fought and died against ISIS. Further, President Trump's announcement seems to be wrong in that the U.S. intelligence suggests 20,000+ current and former ISIS fighters remain in Turkey, which doesn't suggest a rapid U.S. withdrawal at all. Then we have Bolton reportedly being snubbed and scolded by Turkey so we have a murky situation that has been made more so. It seems clear that apart from controlling ISIS the U.S. has no compelling interests in the deserts of Syria or Iraq, and that an assessment of ISIS accepted by Turkey, Russia, Iraq and our own people is a necessity.
President Erdogan could have pointed out that as a member in good standing in NATO, there are 27 nations that are assigned by treat to come to Turkey's assistance, and where are they? President Trump is correct to withdraw carefully from Syria and let the region correct itself without our military from half the globe away.
1
I didn't see the word Iran used in this piece.
I developed a respect for Turkey several years ago because Turkey was the only country to attempt to deal with the Syrian immigration crisis in a positive manner. Turkey housed Syrians fleeing Assad when other countries could only help widen the war. It took Turkey a long time to respond to Syrian arms with their own military. Their prudence is noted.
The question now is, will Turkey allow Iran to build an infrastructure through what used to be Iraq and Syria to the Mediterranean? Clearly this is the Iranian goal and such an expansion would alter the balance of power in the middle east.
2
From a humanitarian perspective, perhaps one of the biggest frustrations and concerns is how the Kurds will fair in this. Americans discuss how loyal Kurds have been to us in the conflict and it always seems like our entitlement couches the observation with us as central and they as lovable supporting cast members to the drama. As if their efforts weren't motivated vastly by the fact that they are fighting for their own lives and for the future of their children, as if this region on fire isn't as personal to them as a civil war would be right here to us. Trump was ready to leave them to slaughter last week, now Erdogan suggests his policies will be respectful of Kurd interests. I wouldn't trust either of these two leaders to babysit a goldfish, let alone trust that they have the empathy, compassion, and honor to do the right thing by the Kurds.
13
I applauded when president Trump announced that our troops will withdraw from Syria soon. Syria is none of our business. And it will save our tax dollars and avoid unnecessary casualties of our special forces in Syria. President Erdogan's opinion is just icing on the cake. We have much more important tasks to do in our domestic needs.
2
President Erdogan’s applause of President Trump’s pull-out from the fertile crescent, the land of Onan, is no surprise to anyone familiar with his previous actions.
And while President Erdogan is eager to take the lead in addressing this area of the world, he is reminded that this is also the land of Abel.
So concerning what spills on the ground, he should be weary of leaders who would withhold from an entrusted people a future generation. He should also be weary of the continued shedding of innocent blood among them. The world expects the Kurds to be treated with dignity as is the proper due of all peoples.
He is warned that these long held stories about right and wrong in such circumstances stand the eons and the offenders are marked for their actions. In this day and age, that mark begins with public opinion, but it ends with legacy.
What comes next will not be forgotten. The world is watching.
4
It is not possible for Turkey to "protect the territorial integrity" of Syria, when Turkey is in Syria without the consent of the Syrian government. Erdogan's proposal will, accordingly, lengthen the civil war, or set up a broader war with Syria and Russia. Very bad idea.
8
So...this letter was published before Erdogan blasted the Trump administration for going back on its word about withdrawal of troops, and he refused to meet with John Bolton, the American official who advised Trump to hold up the withdrawal. Muddier waters. Can anyone give a clear explanation of US policy at this point. Muddy water becoming even more murky.
6
These words would carry a lot more weight were they not coming from a run-of-the-mill strongman dictator, the same type that's currently destroying Syria in order to stay in power.
16
I endorse the message, but I find the messenger to be suspect.
Mr. Erdogan has spent most of his time in office moving Turkey away from the rule of law, towards the law of rule. He has purged almost every credible voice who has criticized him, and he has ably demonstrated in the past that his promises aren't worth much, especially as far as the Kurds are concerned.
10
Since the attempted coup, President Erdogan has used the typical tools of autocracy to solidify his leadership in Turkey. Journalists and political dissidents have been jailed. Government employees suspected of unsympathetic views have been fired or worse. He has wrapped himself in the flag and promoted religious fundamentalism in support of his regime. The end result seems to justify the worse fears of the coup plotters.
Turkish elements willingly helped facilitate the sale of ISIS oil on the black market, helping to subsidize their murderous regime.
Without apology, Erdogan countenanced the unprovoked and vicious attack by his security detail on peacefully protesting US residents near his DC embassy. The full attack was recorded on video and widely seen.
His regime also conspired with General Flynn to attempt to kidnap and remove a prominent political dissident living in Pennsylvania. The regime still insists on his extradition despite producing no valid evidence of criminal activity.
Erdogan has probably met more times with Putin than he has with Trump. No one probably knows how often these men talk to each other by phone, much less what they say. None of them, including Trump, are trustworthy nor have anyone's interest at heart other than their own.
I wouldn't trust any of these men farther than I could throw them. Nor should the Kurds. While the Kurds deserve a protectorate guaranteed by the US, they're more likely to find a reliable partner in Syria's Assad. Sad.
18
To see what will will happen to northern Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops take a look at Syria's northwest province of Afrin, which the Turks took by force last spring and then destroyed the aspirations of self-government of the local population - most of whom are Kurds. In tumulteous and bloody Syria, Afrin was an oasis of stability and what seemed to be a positively evolving experiment in local self-government which, among other things, broke the traditional bonds that often hold women back in that part of the world.
13
What RTE does in Turkey, irrespective of diverse views, should not be mixed with his/Turkey's actions and proposed policies in Syria.
As a regional power, as an important partner in NATO and a potential member to the European Union, Turkey's economic, political, military and strategic status with regards to Syria has to be weighted differently and in its own context.
2
The author makes a very clear statement about his plans, to those who can read. This is exactly why the U.S. should not leave quickly.
11
"Local councils in predominantly Kurdish parts of northern Syria will largely consist of the Kurdish community’s representatives whilst ensuring that all other groups enjoy fair political representation. TURKISH OFFICIALS WITH RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WILL ADVISE THEM ON MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES."
Translation: Turkey will occupy Northern Syria.
27
The Turkish paper Cumhuriyet reported that Turkey was helping terrorist groups and then its journalists were persecuted. Turkey committed war crimes in Afrin so, of course, Erdogan's sweet words cannot be trusted. Yet, as Elizabeth Warren said, withdrawing US troops from Syria and Afghanistan is a good idea. We now know it will not happen because Bolton, Pompeo and the military-industrial complex are against it. Mattis was also a member of the forever war party.
A withdrawal of US troops should be accompanied by the setting up of an international conference and a warning to all belligerents not to massacre the Kurds. But so many countries and groups want further conflict and mayhem that this solution is not likely to be adopted.
Erdogan is part of the problem, not of the solution but this is true of the war mongers in the Trump administration too.
9
@Pierre
"Erdogan is part of the problem, not of the solution but this true of the war mongers in the Trump Adminstration too."
This would be readily admitted by blue-leaning readers of the Grey Lady, if only Donald Trump committed to an even greater presence in Syria and/or a more overt joint effort there with Russia.
Or maybe not. Hillary Clinton was hot to trot about fomenting war in Syria and there is no doubt any use of force she would authorized as commander-in-chief would have rationalized and even applauded by this set.
A warning not to massacre the Kurds or what? If you withdraw all your troupes and rely on partners like Turkey, who are intent on NOT supporting the Kurds, it seems any so-called "warning" will have zero effect.
1
Has anyone bothered asking Assad, the democratically elected Syrian president?
It's funny how all these countries are making all these plans to fix Syria but there seems to be no alignment with the ruling government.
Does cast a reasonable doubt on the actual objectives or motives behind these moves. Turkey's always wanted parts of Syria for itself... seems to be headed in that direction.
5
Democratically elected? Syria is an autocratic one party military state that's been ruled by the same party since the 1963 coup d'etat. Assad inherited power from his father who ruled Syria for around 30 years.
One party rule was one of the reasons there was a rebellion in the first place.
What democratic elections are you talking about? The 2014 election held in the middle of the civil war that only covered areas loyal to Assad? Sounds super democratic to me.
17
Assad, democratically elected? Winning elections by 99% is a sure sign it was not a democratic election...Assad is a dictator and a ruthless killer of his own people.
1
Readers should be very careful when trusting anything in this opinion article. Erdogan has done everything he can to secure his power including jailing educators, politicians, scientists, and reporters who are not aligned with his regime. (And, potentially staging a coup to leverage additional powers granted to the executive branch in times of 'emergency.')
Many in the U.S. worry about the citizens in Turkey who are the minority party in hiding. We should also be worried about the Kurds who are often more public and are targeted in Turkey.
There's no question that Erdogan has plans for the Kurds in Syria too. In his own words he promises "[there] will be no victory for the terrorists" in reference to the Islamic State forces; but then goes on to say that the Kurds are "[considered] a terrorist organization."
The resolution proposed is 'democratically-elected' councils in each of the stabilized territories, but "[individuals] with no links to terrorist groups will be eligible." So who will govern these territories that are predominantly Kurdish?
The U.S. cannot back out of this war without ensuring that the rights for these people (our allies during the war on ISIS) are not taken away. This opinion thinly veils a reasonable approach with a real threat - Turkey will exert their influence on the Kurds just as they have done to their own people.
20
I have no faith that Turkey will act in a reasonable or fair manner if they are given this power. I would expect them to imprison any and all ideological adversaries.
18
I have no interest in the thoughts of Erdogan, not since he arrested so many of his own people who had committed no real crime. President Erdogan is a criminal for doing so, and my sincere hope is that his reign of ungodliness will end soon.
32
In a policy address in 2014, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the establishment of an independent Kurdish state. He claimed that: "The Kurds are a fighting people that have proven political commitment and political moderation, and they're also worthy of their own political independence."
You would do well, Mr. Erdogan, not to trust the father-in-law of Jared Kushner.
6
RTE has stated the facts timely and correctly.
Originally being from that part of the world and having lived and worked across continents, including the region, for these past 30 years, I am quite familiar with the region's historical and political developments.
Post-Ottoman borders were drawn and imposed a century ago by colonialists and its current impacts are easily seen, considering current political and economic powers and their regional interests. However, in all this the civilian population comprised of Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Yazidis, Druze and Assyrians have suffered due to efforts to dismember existing borders, to create one that will be easily manipulated as it was imposed with the "Divide and Rule" policy past.
Turkey's current position and its potential as stated by RTE offers the best alternative, given none other!
2
"Unlike coalition operations in Raqqa and Mosul, which relied heavily on airstrikes that were carried out with little or no regard for civilian casualties, Turkish troops and fighters of the Free Syrian Army went door to door to root out insurgents"
A "Win" by destroying a city and killing everyone is an awful theory. In Vietnam it was "we had to destroy it to save it." Now they are just all "presumed" bad guys because we have no idea -- when we know perfectly well they are not.
Door to door fighting to clear a city often leads to high casualties. Turkey was willing to suffer those -- not so much to its own troops as to its proxy forces. Still, they didn't destroy it to save it.
When the US says it remains to root out ISIS, it means it remains to flatten every city in question and to kill everyone. "Yeah, we NEED to do that" is just not an acceptable answer. There is something really wrong with the plan we are now abandoning.
A better plan? Is that the excuse? "I had to kill them all because I couldn't think of anything else to do?"
4
Oh, really? Doesn't that depend largely on the way the Russian Federation swings now that they may not be concerned about causing American Casualties.
President Erdogan, America has stood by Turkey for decades, primarily as a buffer between the USSR and southeast Asia, and as an intermediate missile platform.
We also kidded ourselves about the nature of Turkish politics as a product of the same Cold War needs.
But now you've chosen the road of tyranny, and we have no further use for you - at least as long as we're saddled with Trump. A time will come - and soon - when you'll have to face the Russian Federation alone. Your Kurdish problem will seem like a flea bite in comparison.
9
I don't know what the future brings for Syria, but it is time for the United States to stand down. I do agree that President Erdogan has a vested interest in this region. I also am weary because of his past. What I absolutely know is that all the bombing the US and Russia has done in this region is killing too many innocents. We can take the backseat on this, and watch what happens. If needed, we can develop a plan and step in. Turkey and the Kurds are our allies. Clearly, we need to make sure both of their interests are protected.
1
Wake up Fran. Yes, his interest is in destroying the Kurds (an ally of ours), which hope to break off chunks of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq to form a republic of Kurdistan. Naturally, he wants to US military out of the way. He can’t be trusted.
As for the high costs to America and the need to get out: “you break it, you buy it.” I agree that we should withdraw, but slowly over time, after we help rebuild a post-Assad Syria that we can deal with. To suddenly pull out now would be like leaving a a candle burning in the gunpowder room.
1
The predominance of bombing and murder in Syria was conducted by Syrian troops authorized by Bashir Assad.
1
Rarely is Trump right, this time he is. Our role is not super-enforcer, it's ultra-arbitrary. Once in doubt, we swing any side to the right. The threat of America arriving is exponentially greater than the idea of us lingering.
2
Turkey could of prevented ISIS and the awful civil war in Syria if it invaded when the crisis first started. But the wouldn’t without US troops. Now after the US has gotten rid of the hornets nest in their back yard they want a free hand to wipe out the Kurds - who have fought with the US to eliminate ISIS - just like the did to the Armenians.
NATO member or not Turkey is not a democracy and should not be able to call the Kurds terrorists when they are the only stable region in Iraq.
America should protect the Kurds at all costs or forget any democracy taking hold in the Muslim Middle East as Turkey is lost.
12
@Letter G
How about some of that cost being you going to Rojava and risking your own life fighting with YPG?
Turkey has been a loyal ally of the United States since the formation of NATO decades ago. This cannot be said of any other nation involved in the Syrian mess. We have no national interests in Syria and should never have intervened in the conflict.
9
But we did. The Kurds cannot be abandoned to the Turks.
@Mike Murray MD
The idea that Turkey is a reliable ally is a total myth. The only real allies we historically have in the region are Israel, Greece, and the Kurds. Period.
Turkey sided against the allies in WW1, maintained a faux neutrality favoring Germany in WW2, refused access to its air bases when the US needed it during the Iraq war, and is trafficking in arms and oil with ISIS. Not to mention it is befriending Putin, our most overt adversary. If that is a loyal ally, then you have no enemies.
1
Turkey was letting ISIS across their border for 2.5 years to fight in Syria... You're right they could have controlled the situation, except they had no desire to.
Just because an autocrat says it doesn't make it wrong. Many here are suspicious of Erdogan, rightly so because he has oppressed his opponents (Turkish or Kurdish) and jailed journalists for bogus reasons. However, his concern about armed Kurdish groups in Syria is shared by many in Turkey, including many of his staunch opponents. Just because these groups serve American interests doesn't mean they aren't a threat to Turkey.
US goes half way around the world and invades countries for its national interests. Turkey has a justified reason to be concerned about an armed group right on its border that is its sworn enemy.
Many in Turkey believe that the real goal of the US is to carve a Kurdish state out of a chunk of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq; such a state would be a buffer between Israel and Iran, and Israel could use the Kurds against Iran.
11
@Alpay K. Why should the US not support the creation of a Kurdish state? Such a state would greatly reduce the threat to Turkey, Syria, and Iraq by the Kurds as the Kurdish concerns (i.e. their right to self determination) would be addressed. The longer Turkey suppresses the Kurds the longer they are a threat to Turkey, and visa versa. Of course, the US can only encourage such and outcome, not impose it like the French and British did after WWI.
6
Erdo, you can’t state “Under wartime conditions, many young Syrians had no choice but to join the P.Y.D./Y.P.G” and then say “Under Turkey’s watch, the Syrian territories that are under the control of the Y.P.G. or the so-called Islamic State will be governed by popularly elected councils. Individuals with no links to terrorist groups will be eligible to represent their communities in local governments” without knowing that those are the very same people who need to be part of the process.
4
When it comes to the middle east it is not about Kurds, the Turks, MBS, Syria, Iran or Iraq ..it is about what Israel wants. What Israel wants suddenly this is what the USA wants. On any issue look for what benefits Israel and you will see the USA going along. Trump may want the troops out of Syria but unless Israel approves it will never, ever, happen.
11
Mr. Erdogan is writing this letter to make mr. Trump playing here the character of the "useful idiot" by retiring his army from Syria.
This is particularly evident when he states that one of his preoccupation is to ensure that war is finished for good and not to let USA re-plays the "the war is over" sketch made so popular by mr. W. Bush some years ago.
And it would be convincing if it was not for his starkly horrible solution: to have the P.K.K. members detained or ousted from political roles- in Kurdish territories- and even worse by letting people be governed by "popularly elected council" there. To me this sounds exactly the typical tribal government of afghans- remember the local council- and it raises two enormous question point:
1) If he thinks local council is the right form of local government, why doesn't mr. Erdogan apply it in turkish cities too?
2) On a more international law- based principle, on what lawful treaty or principle is he acting as the president of the "next-to-be liberated" cities of Syria? Who makes him the authority to rule which kind of government syrians should run?
13
Everyone has a plan for peace for the Middle East, too bad they are built upon authoritarian rule, suspension of civil rights, extrajudicial murders and imprisonment of perceived enemies.
But I guess,as noted by others, that authoritarian criminal politicians have a right to express their opinions, even here in the Times.
8
And how about the Kurdish people? Will you be "getting the job done" for them, too?
18
Unfortunately Erdogan's political position inside Turkey is irrelevant on this subject.
PKK/PYD/YPG terrorism is as real to Turkey as ISIS terrorism is real to the world.
Kurds are here in Turkey. They're us. Sometimes you can see them as Turkey's prime minister, sometimes as Turkey's commander or soldier.
Groups who claims to own the TM of Kurds (PKK/PYD/YPG) are forged. Serving only purpose of destabilizing the region.
These groups plant bombs for civilians. Kidnap children to train as soldiers. Block civilians escaping from war zones.
Turkey all but one united behind Erdogan on this matter.
3
Erdogan's is the regime that so recently used the threat of a curiously inept coup to repress all opposition with dispatch, and hired General Flynn to secretly influence American foreign policy. Not a believable character, but one with a pretty good team of ghost writers.
18
for alternate POV: kurdistan24.net/en/news:
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Eight Kurdish parties and political movements in Turkey announced Monday a united electoral front ahead of local elections in March to reclaim over 100 town and city municipalities that the central Turkish government has seized and administrated through non-elected officials over the past two years.
11
What at surprises me about the piece is how suddenly refined Erdogan's English is. I'm not even convinced he authored it, and hope the NYT will authenticate the writer or writers involved. While the opinion reflects his regime's outlook precisely in terms of content, the eloquence in presentation seems uncharacteristic for a ruler who often appears hostile to scholars and journalists.
Autocrats as Erdogan know how to use not only their locally controlled media, but also have a sixth sense in directing the international media to promote and defend their agendas.
11
This opinion piece provides no rationale for why it is right for the US to withdraw from Syria. Besides the title and the first sentence this would appear to be an argument for staying in Syria. President Erdogan states there is work remaining and it will require international coordination. Why then is it right for the United States to withdraw? It appears Turkey would prefer the US gone for them to do as they please.
8
This failed US president runs when Erdogan warns he will attack the Kurds, who have fought for years as our allies. He takes advice from right-wing TV commentators instead of knowledgeable White House or Party advisors to create havoc with a shut down over his unrealistic demand for 5+ billion for a border wall. The list could go on and on.
7
I want to remind the Turkish President that Syria is not a province of Turkey. It is a sovereign state that has its own government, and Turkey has no business to meddle in Syria.
14
@yulia
"...Syria is not a province of Turkey."
Last I checked it is not a US state or province, either. So what's the US doing meddling in a sovereign state that has its own government?
5
Ostensibly fighting ISIS was its justification there.
"Turkey Can Get the Job Done." Read: "I will prevent IS from re-emerging in Syria for carte blanche to do with the Kurds as I please." The Kurds are one of the few reliable allies the US has in the region and occupy territory rich in oil and agriculture. There has to be a better alternative to giving Erdogan the keys to the hen house.
9
The president of Turkey certainly made his nation less secular and has slowed or even reversed it move toward modernity. I for one do not like how he has marginalized the memory of Ataturk, the George Washington of Turkey. But hey, the Turks voted him in and he is very popular outside of Istanbul. I think if the Turkish people want a strong authoritarian and he is not engaging in crimes against humanity, than so be it. We need to learn to respect the will of people than have a different perspective than Western liberal views.
The Kurds should have received their own nation 100 years ago, but they didn't. They were split up among 5 nations, none of which are currently willing to give up territory for a Kurdish state. This is not Erdogan's doing and the United States should not create a bigger mess by insisting that a Kurdish state be created. The status quo for the Kurds may not what we like, but the price for something more than that is way to high.
Turkey has every reason in the world to keep the terrorists in Syria in check. They also have the ability to do so. Most importantly, all the other options (the U.S., Russia, Iran) to keep order are less attractive. We do not to like Erdogan's style to believe he will be rational.
Let's be practical and allow our NATO ally, to run point on keeping order on their southern border.
5
It is quite disturbing to me that the NYT gave this brutal autocrat a platform to basically spew nonsense, not quite as nonsensical as our president, but a bit too close for comfort.
Turkey only has the second strongest standing army of NATO by manpower. Yet when it comes to general fire power, they are 4th within NATO after the US, the UK and France.
It seems that Erdogan also suffers from exaggerating and a bit of a grandiosity complex, albeit not quite as much Trump.
"Turkey is volunteering to shoulder this heavy burden at a critical time in history. We are counting on the international community to stand with us".
How kind of Mr. Erdogan, yet counting on others does not make him the heavy burden bearer, unless he only counts on logistic support from others.
41
Missing is any commitment to not liquidate the Kurds, of whom Erdogan is famously intolerant. We have relied heavily on the Peshmerga, the main Kurdish military force. We should not abandon them to Erdogan's less than tender mercies.
Erdogan appears to have less regard for the truth than Trump, if that is possible.
23
Erdogan's views just don't interest me simply because I don't trust what he says. Alternatively, when Kurdish leadership trusts him that's when I'll take what he says seriously.
20
Mr. Erdogan's assertion that Trump is right has little credibility given that Iran and Russia also think that Trump is right.
18
The question is why Turkey is still even a member of NATO, an organization that is supposed to adhere to democratic values as its core principle. Turkey deserves NATO membership about as much as Russia under Putin. Even less so, since Turkey has literally nurtured ISIS by allowed its expansion through its border with Syria.
12
The voices here denouncing the Times for printing totalitarian propaganda seem wrong. President Erdogan may be right.
I am no supporter of Erdogan’s authoritarian rule, or of his antagonism toward the Kurdish people, or of his jailing of critics. However, he is arguably correct in seconding Trump’s calls for withdrawal from Syria. The United States should not have a significant military presence in Syria, except to enforce safe zones and no fly zones, it seems to me. While some individuals and particular operations have surely been beneficial, it hardly needs pointing out that with the possible exception of the Gulf War, ever major action we have undertaken in the entire region has been catastrophic.
Erdogan is a third power in the region to counter the terrible struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. If he thinks he can bring order there, I’d say, why not give him the chance.
5
@Mr. Little, so you believe that the troops in Syria now, who did their part in a coalition, to defeat ISIS' caliphate in Raqqa and in Iraq, and deprive them of means of accruing resources and spreading their brand of evil from Nigeria to Indonesia, behaved catastrophically?
I think you watch too much RT.
1
Erdogan says Trump is correct. Putin says Trump is correct. I feel so very much better about things.
43
@David Bible, and we hear that the mad ruler of NK is "in love with" him. A trifecta!
1
Erdogan may have his own agenda here but in this case it does align with American interests. We really have little to gain by getting involved in another foggy mid-east conflict.
Let them fight it out. We have spent enough in lives and treasure by getting into fighting other people's wars in the middle east.
We should fight just wars, wars where our security is threatened and wars where our objective is clear. This isn't one of them.
2
Ah Major,
With due respect “just wars” seldom have to do with self-interest, but in this case, a whole lot of US allies have died to protect US self-interests. That’s been the nub of the problems in the Middle East for longer than you or I have been alive; ditto our parents; the Western nations have interfered with most every nation in the world, simply due to our technological abilities and have without exception made a mess wherever we have set foot. Had the shoe been on the other foot, I don’t doubt that the result would have been the same, it is out human curse. Regardless, presuming that what is happening in the US isn’t about US interests is naive (well, considering that I really mean US corporate interests).
5
@Doug Thomson
I am not sure what US self-interests are served by fighting alongside various forces (of questionable intent and merit) in Syrian civil war.
And if the only US group that is benefiting here are the US corporates, on the back of the lives of our soldiers and our tax dollars, then isn't it our duty to make an effort to stop this abuse?
2
@Old Major
We should fight just wars, wars where our security is threatened and wars where our objective is clear. This isn't one of them.
Could you myabe name a couple of recent examples of US "just wars"?
Because I can't.
And while we're speaking of war, could also try to come up with one or two in which the US military acquited itself well, on an operational/results basis, and within well-established and widely recognized moral guidelines?
Mr. Erdogan's words imply moderation, reason and reflection. Unfortunately, his actions don't. Even more unfortunate is that the biggest winners of his aggressive stance towards the Syrian Kurds are the Islamic State and, especially, the Assad regime, which will undoubtedly delight Assad's Iranian and Russian allies.
10
Erdogan assumes ISIS has been defeated. Clearly, according to military intelligence and the reports from independent policy institutes such as Johns Hopkins CSIS and the Institute for the Study of War in Washington D.C., indicate that the group is still quite viable and gaining strength in both Syria and Iraq. We know of 1200 ISIS attacks in the first ten months of 2018 in Iraq alone. This may be an underestimate. There are tens of thousands of ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria, part of a MENA region network stretching from Morocco to Central Asia and beyond.
I am glad that the Turkish leadership believes it can pacify Syria without U.S. special forces. I wonder if that really is the case. ISIS was defeated before. The organization was down to fewer than 1000 fighters in 2010. By 2015 it was threatening Baghdad and was all over Syria. If ISIS in Iraq continues to gain strength there would appear to be no limit to what the organization can then project into Syria.
3
ISIS has been defeated a year or so ago. Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, S. Arabia, Qatar, and Russia are all after ISIS. Do you think the YPG is really needed for this task.
There are over 4M Syrians living in Turkey right now (over 20% of the Syrian population). This is more than twice the YPG Kurds (only 9% of the Syrian population), who occupies 35% of Syria today. Over 10M Syrians (Syria population was 19M) are displaced. This means that many non-Kurdish Syrians have been driven from their homes by the YPG Kurds and not allowed to return their homes in the YPG occupied areas. So the armed YPG Kurds are carving a homeland for themselves by driving civilian Syrians out of the country.
4
Yes you are confused -
ISIS and the Talbian are not “defeated” - far from it, as any general in the US Military will tell you. ISIS have only been pushed out of major cities (mostly by Kurd fighters btw) These groups are holed up and dug in waiting for the US to walk away and create a vacuum that they will once again fill.
1
As a Turkish-American who was educated in and lived the US for 15 years I have been following Turkish news for my whole life.
It’s been interesting to read about Turkey here over the last 10 years. When Erdogan was elected for the first time in late 2000s, we in Turkey were a bit cautious this conservative leader and were surprised at the optimism coming from the West, including articles here at New York Times that portrayed him as the democratic leader who was boosting the economy, at the same time expanding rights to certain parts of society. (He did do those things: He opened the first dialogue with PKK and gave Kurdish citizens the freedom to learn and broadcast in their own languages and tried to help turkey join the EU. ) Fast forward to now it is hard to read a new article in the western press that is not critical of him and many here in the comments are arguing his op-Ed should not have been published because he is not worthy of being listened to.
This man has indeed changed for the worse as far as I can tell from afar. But I also worry if we have not gone too far. It seems weird to me that people here all seem to agree he is a bad man, are very confident of their opinions even if they never lived And worked long enough in a region to understand its complexities & what its people are like. Would love to chat with some of you and explore why things are perhaps less simple than often imagined though we may not have any answers. May we all find peace, joy and wisdom.
13
@Hakan Has Erdogen grown more authoritarian over the years since his time as a "democratic leader who is boosting the economy"?
1
@Hakan
Shouldn't Erdogan be concentrating on what is going in his own country where people hate each other so much ?
By the end of this puzzling piece, Erdogan is explaining how Turkey will be organizing democratic elections in Syria.
What could go wrong?
11
Thank you for giving Erdogan an opportunity to share his thoughts.
We now know for a fact that he is not someone who should have any decisive input into the resolution of this conflict.
12
Back around 2014 to 2015, I remember reading weekly updates about Kobane in The Economists. It was bewildering to see Turkish tanks standing at the Turkish-Syria border doing nothing to repel ISIS as the fighters pushed into the Kurdish-held enclave. At last Turkey did allow refugees to enter Turkey.
It was a clear demonstration that Turkey views Kurds to be a greater threat than ISIS. So I understand why the Kurds would not trust anything that President Erdogan says. As an disinterested observer, I would agree more than words are needed at this point.
14
@William Fang During the 80s president of Turkey was a Kurd. There is a difference between Kurds and Kurdish terrorists and it is astonishing that most people can not make the distinction and that includes you, respectfully.
Mr. Erdogan suppresses his own media and yet has the audacity to use our free press to promote his propaganda?
Outrageous. He is as trustworthy as Mr. Trump and we all know how trustworthy he is.
61
I'm wondering what Field Marshall Trump has to say about this. General Mattis resigned for a good reason.
8
Rumor has it that Erdogan fueled the Syrian Civil War because the al-Assad clan cheated him in some corrupt business dealings. If so, “an eye for an eye” scarcely does it justice.
Not that the al-Assads are angels. Not only do they kill, they kill on a genocidal scale. Supposedly, they assassinated Rafic Hariri, Lebanon’s retired prime minister, and Gen. Wissam Al-Hassan, who headed the official investigation into his murder; both contracted out to Hezbollah, a client; just two of many, many thousands? One wonders why. Hariri wasn’t playing ball or owed debts that he couldn’t pay? Or, they just wanted to take over his rackets? Gen. Al-Hassan is easier. He was killed to send a message, like putting a severed horse’s head in a Hollywood producer’s bed.
I don’t know that this is so because nobody goes on record out of fear. But it wouldn’t surprise me if it was, and this sort of thing hardly raises an eyebrow in that part of the world.
It is what it is: politicians who are organized crime bosses doing mob things so powerful that they can control their nations’ police forces and judiciaries; a perpetual Get Out of Jail Card. Like Putin does in Russia and Trump would do here if he could.
Borrowing more from “The Godfather”, although Erdogan and the al-Assads “went to the mattresses” that was “business, not personal.” So, perhaps Erdogan’s real plan for Syria is to change the sheets before going back to business — killing his enemies, and his is a very, very long list.
5
Mr. Erdogan: Free each and every one of the journalists who you've locked up in your prisons. You cannot convince the world of your noble intentions without freedom of information in Turkey itself.
24
This is what I call, freedom of the press (which does not exist in Turkey).
14
I do think it’s important for the NYT to explain why they would give President Erdogan editorial space for its foreign policy agenda. Like many of the comments here, I am taken aback that a President with his record on democratic and humanitarian norms would be given this sort platform. While I do find his comments insightful as to what Turkeys intentions are in Syria, I think a follow up editorial or commentary is necessary to help contextual them for readers.
24
Poor Kurds. They did all the work, and Erdogan is their reward.
22
@John McCutchen
Mr. Trump will throw every one under the bus - not even for real reward, but for some bribes and public adulation of others he perceives are powerful people.
Turkey will massacre our Kurdish allies as soon as we step out. They have admitted that. They will spend the next 50 years denying it, prosecute anyone who ever dares to mention it again and spend millions in public relations. They have done this twice before - to the Armenians and their own Kurdish population. Don’t be fooled again.
35
Perhaps the NY Times welcomed this opinion piece since dialogue and debate are essential in a democracy.
But the President of Turkey has virtually no credibility due to his long and very well known track record of repressive and anti democratic policies.
A despot or a statesman?
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck....
12
Historical fact:
Turkey couldn't manage it's own Kurdish minority problem since 1984 and costs Turkey 50.000 lives and Tens of billions of USD.
With that background Erdogan promise to bring peace to Syria.
Factions are Turks, Arabs, Kurds. None like each other.
How we are solving the problem again......
So far only solution was massacre after massacre......
4
In Afrin 700kg of Olives was taken by Turkey to avoid getting them in terrorist hands. In the last census Afrins population was 90% Kurdish, when Erdogan took over he destroyed a Kurdish statue and since May he has changed all Kurdish names of streets in Afrin to Turkish. All Kurdish road signs have been replaced by those in Turkish. Kurdish people’s land was given to Arabs regularly. The Free Syrian Army are looting Kurdish businesses on a daily. Afrin was Syria’s calmest part untouched by Isis or rebels, then one day Erdogan out of nowhere decided to invade. Why is he replacing Kurdish names, placing Arabs in Kurdish lands? To ethnically cleanse the Kurds, he’s done the same in Turkey for years.
12
For our former Kurdish allies, this piece reads like an episode of SWAT. Come out with your hands up. You will not be harmed. We want to end the situation peacefully.
What can go wrong?
Perhaps the NY Times can find real journalist from Turkey to monitor and report how this progresses? Or are they all in jail?
And why if Turkey claims they will be working closely with allies, is Trump talking up pulling our troops out? Is everyone just making this stuff up as they move the narrative along?
This is surreal.
9
"[O]ther terrorist groups", ie the Kurds who we've been fighting with and supporting since 2003 and who we've protected in Iraq since 1991.
We can't expect to maintain allies and peace in that part of the world if we just turn our backs when it's convenient and let them get murdered by the writer of this opinion piece.
5
Erdogan, Trump & Putin - the new rat pack
NYT's own reporting shows him to be nothing but another corrupt strongman. The Turkish state, under Erdogan, has facilitated ISIS. They bought ISIS oil, sent recruits across the border, created and then profited from a refugee crisis in Europe, etc. During his last visit to the US, NYT's coverage of US citizens getting assaulted by his entourage was eye opening. We already know Turkey paid Flynn, converting him into an agent for Turkey. And the record is clear how reporting truth in Turkey is punishable with jail or death. Erdogan also find the press the enemy of his people.
The NYTs shouldn't give Erdogan an open platform. Instead it can report his statements and put them in context of his actions. Anything short of that is rewarding and facilitating the strongman.
9
Oh, it’s a larger “rat pack” than that. Add in Roddy Duterte, Vikki Orbán, Andy Duda, J Bolsonaro and Shiny Abe to the list. Any right wing, authoritarian typies I’ve forgotten off hand can be added.
3
Syrian communities that are under the control of the Y.P.G. are already governed by popularly elected councils. Erdogan is simply paranoid about the Kurds (whether Syrian or Turkish or Iraqi) in a fashion identical to Trump's sentiments regarding Latinos. If he's given carte-blanche to send his troops into Syria, the only Kurds left standing are those who swear allegiance to him.
8
Erdogan made a brilliant start and was turning Turkey into a highly successful country with 0 enemies for the early years of his rule. But then, something happened and he became increasingly arbitrary and autocratic and militaristic. One must take his claims about the PKK very skeptically. His early attempts at reconciliation with the Turkish Kurds were certainly on the right track, but his more recent, increasingly vicious, despotic attacks on the Kurds, as well as his apparent paranoia about political opponents, suggest that he has seriously gone off the tracks for some reason.
4
The country that annihilated the Armenians now wants to do the same to our allies and "boots on the ground," the Kurds. The Kurds who they want to attack and eliminate just happen to be Syrians where they are the largest ethnic minority. Thanks (and I can't believe I'm saying this) to John Bolton and the Israelis the Kurds in Syria may be safe from the murderous Turkish dictator. It is in our national interest, Israel's interest, and Saudi Arabia's interest, to keep the Kurds safe and protected in Syria, perhaps as a semi-autonomous buffer province or even a separate nation, between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia, and Iran. The geopolitics of the region will be more stable with a strong Kurdistan in eastern Syria that could even provide a homeland for the Kurds in Turkey. The cruel myopia of Erdogan needs to be rejected both on humanitarian and political grounds.
19
Erdogan gets an op-ed in the NY Times where he explains how Turkey will, among other things, ensure that the people in the Kurdish controlled areas are treated fairly?
What's next, an article from Putin explaining that Russia didn't meddle in the 2016 election?
30
@Dave in Seattle this :D
You lost us at "trump is right" Mr. Erdogan.
By the way you're article is too late. He's already changed his mind. Welcome to our world.
15
Are you kidding me. Erdogan has politically gone from embracing Karuturk's democratic direction to a increasingly closed government aligned with religion.
He can't be trusted at all. He is ruining a great country.
God help the Kurds as they stand on the wrong side of Erdogan's religious base.
7
If the U.S. stays until the Kurds are safe, the U.S. will not be leaving.
8
@Terry good. The US should establish itself as the strongest superpower in the world that is not to be trifled with
What an objective editorial. I look forward to the rest in the series: "Russia has a plan to restore peace in Ukraine" by Vladimir Putin, and "Saudi Arabia has a plan to restore peace in Yemen" by MBS. Sadly, Hilter was unavailable in 1939 to pen "Germany has a plan to bring peace to Europe" but thankfully, you've learned your lesson and are no longer ignoring that all-important and so rarely heard murderous dictator voice.
14
It's funny how the Times thinks Erdogan has a right to be heard in our country when he uses violence to prevent his own citizens from being heard in his own.
24
Sorry, sir. We Americans don't trust dictators who help kill American journalists---whether it's you, or Mr. Trump, who we will soon impeach for his crimes.
12
The question is: When will Trump call him a "treacherous Satan" ?
3
Really, NYT? Thanks for normalizing a brutalist, hate-steeped dictator, destroying democracy, in his once-beautiful, progressive, amazing country.
You truly a safe haven for monsters.
17
@Tee One can disagree with the NYT publishing it, but they are not "normalizing" his words. They didn't posit any opinion on it.
Why are you giving this guy a forum?
17
When does MBS of Saudi Arabia get to give his side of the James Khashoggi's murder and disappearance story on the Times' Op-Ed page?
This is a slippery slope. Next thing you know you'll be publishing an op-ed by Donald Trump!
10
What is wrong with you NYT? Good to know my subscription fee supports Erdogan propaganda.
16
@Robin M
You really need to educate yourself about what an OPINION piece is.
So now -- without accompanying comment, commentary or a basic recitation of facts about his regime -- the NY Times is running a front page editorial/infomercial from one of the world's most brutal foreign dictators? You are the paper of record. Do your job.
15
Will there be an op-ed from Putin next week claiming his country didn't interfere in our elections? Really, NYT???
12
So many great comments here, and yet strangely, not a single one merits a NY Times "Pick". What gives? I guess the NYT is just showing its true colors, siding with a dictator who won his election for President by the same tactics used by Putin. Good work, NYT.
10
Muslims know how to deal with other Muslims.
1
So, Recep: Did you promise the staff of the NY Times you wouldn't imprison them if they just published one of your propaganda pieces?
9
shame on you NYT for publishing a dictator's words on your newspaper, unless he paid you. you don't know what turkish people suffering in the hands of recep tayyip erdogan. he has blood on his hands and should not be allowed to disperse his autocratic, plutocratic ideas through NYT. this is not democracy, he is not a democrat. he is a DICTATOR. you know it, i know it.
thank you...
shamanccc
12
"Turkey is committed to defeating the so-called Islamic State and other terrorist groups in Syria, because the Turkish people are all too familiar with the threat of violent extremism.".....Yeah, right. So explain how all the foreign fighters were able to cross through Turkey unmolested to join ISIS in Syria.
8
I appreciate that this is an opinion and I'm wary of the proverbial "slippery slope" when it comes to "allowable speech." Still, I'm unsettled by your willingness to provide a platform for a dangerous autocrat to publish what amounts to little more than propaganda. That you would not even pair it with a counter-opinion piece, perhaps one written by a persecuted dissonant, is disappointing. Turkey is still experiencing an exodus of free thinkers, many having been fired from their jobs or driven into hiding by Erdogan's regime. They may have provided valuable insight into the trustworthiness of anything said by this man. I know this piece lies safely under the blanket of opinion, but I haven't seen you recklessly publishing Trump's twitter feed without context in the name of free speech.
14
I'm glad the Turkish President has embraced Trump's policies.
And I hope that he continues to make Turkey great again.
As populism continues to soar around the world.
2
Ah, the terrorists. The ones Erdogan had an agreement with, to forgo violence and run for elective office. Which he broke, I guess because he needed an enemy to unite most Turks behind his impending dictatorship.
4
While I understand people are skeptical about giving Erdogan this platform......it is good to be informed as to what the people involved in something are thinking and their reasons for thinking what they think. It would be different to run this as News. But Opinion is just that....Opinion. A place for discourse. You take it or leave it. But at least you aren't in the dark as to how a major player is positioning himself.
6
@EC
I would agree if his opinion piece were not riddled with factual distortions. It is hard to believe that this article is anything other than a misleading piece of propaganda as advance cover for his anticipated slaughter of Kurds.
1
@EC his evil can be reported on. Giving him a voice normalizes his atrocities. He needs to be exiled from the community of the decent. He needs to be imprisoned before he hurts others.
1
President Erdogan, your words would carry more weight if you had not spent your entire political career building your autocratic dictatorship and punishing or jailing people who disagree with you. The Kurds were cheated of a homeland after WWI, and have been oppressed by you and others for decades. What people wouldn't object to that? They are among the most worthy in your region of respect. You should begin talks for a semi autonomous area within your own state, as well as Syria and Iraq.
592
Whenever somebody suggests that we need to build a nation for a people without a nation, we the US taxpayers are loaded with no less than $1T in debt. $1T makes a million people millionaires in the US.
5
@James, do not mix apples and oranges. National and international policies have different prerogatives, whether you like it or not. Whether you approve of it or not.
Post-Ottoman re-bordering of the region was fruit of British and French colonialism "Divide and Rule" objectives. We see its results today!
10
@James - Like you, I am wary of Erdogan's embrace of Trump's vapid peace prescriptions. OTOH, Erdogan and the Turks will never support the kind of Kurdish autonomy that you advocate. I, for one, would be happy to see the parties return to the mid-2013 to mid-2015 cease fire agreement that existed between the Turkish state and the PKK, an agreement Erdogan brazenly violated in late July of 2015. What Erdogan seeks is Washington's purported "strategic retreat" from Syria so that he can re-ignite his military campaign against the Kurds.
5
It matters not who is right or wrong. If Turkey turns into a liberal democracy tomorrow YPG, ally of USA, is an organization that happens to be part and parcel of PKK , a terrorist group that killed over 30,000 in Turkey- fight against PKK will not stop for PKK will not end its terrorist activities. And YPG is proud of its association with PKK. Iraqi Kurds are not interested in PKK or YPG. They are interested in cooperating with Turkey. Unless US sits down and wrestles Syria policy from Defence Dept. at one point in the near future Incirlik Base will face closing down and the second largest well trained army in NATO will not be a part of NATO. So let us shoot ourselves in the foot. If cards are professionally played Turks could again become protector of the Kurds as they were in 1990s. For that to happen our ally YPG has to make up its mind.
2
President Erdogan has made public Turkey's commitment and strategy regarding Syria.
1. Turkey has a far larger stake in the region than does the United States. (Syria is not strategically critical to America.)
2. And, unlike most other NATO allies (with comparatively small contributions), the Turkish army fights.
It is certainly reasonable to question President Erdogan's motives and objectives and to monitor the results.
The United States should not be so heavily involved in the region. We don't 'solve' things.
64
@Ami Thank you, Ivan.
19
@Ami this is such a simple and clear summary that most other comments end up looking like character assassinations rather then actual critiques of what is being proposed. good job.
3
The Turkish army did not fight in Afrin, nor did the jihadist 'TFSA'. The killing machine was the air force. This can be verified without recourse to propagandistic press: about a dozen 'international' fighters, from England, France, etc. were killed; the home press from each country reported; I cannot find a case where the cause of death is not air strike. Some 72 US-made F16s circumabulated the tiny, contracting, circular front for two and a half months.
14
The only way we can guess the future is to look for clues in the past. In this case we don’t have to guess, we know what will happen if the world does as the author suggests and trust Turkey (which translates to ‘trust me’). Erdogan has transformed Turkey into a one man show, doubting Erdogan does not cast any aspersions on the people of Turkey.
The facts are anytime the world has appeased a dictator, things got worse, not better.
When Erdogan says ‘trust me’ our reply should be, we trust you.
We trust you to do as you have done in the past, with no regard for anyone or any group of people that might be a threat to your thirst of unlimited power.
We trust you to build another $300 million house for yourself with state money while you’re country’s economy goes into free fall.
We trust you to use the suffering of refugees as a lever to pressure Europe.
I’m all for the right to free speech but Erdogan’s piece belongs in the fiction section. It’s unfortunate the NYT would publish this dark fantasy, while fellow journalists rot in Turkish jails.
403
@Allen J.
It's not unfortunate at all to publish this. It's wisdom. Freedom flourishes when its enemies expose themselves.
38
@Allen J. "We trust you to use the suffering of refugees as a lever to pressure Europe."
Yeah but the country does host 3 million refugees. Say everything about Erdogan, but we don't get to diss Turkey (and him) with the refugee issue.
18
@Caio
Turkey (which is CREATING REFUGEES-e.g. the support for ISIS and Afrin invasion )is getting money from the EU to keep refugees there, which is as wise as paying a mass murderer to bury his victims!
1
Regardless of whether or not Erdogan's piece ought to be published, the information contained within certainly is 'news'. True, he is a clear autocrat and oppressor of a free press; on that note, I do believe that the Times could have published this piece with an accompanying op-ed from a U.S. official or an analysis of Erdogan's message. And since he is, after all, not the most 'democratic' of leaders, his words should be taken with a grain (or more) of salt.
That said, this is definitely information that is interesting to discuss. I do believe that the Times made the correct decision in publishing this piece. This incites conversation, discussion, and hopefully healthy political discourse. It contains thoughts worth scrutinizing, and a future worth debating over. His message about Turkey's involvement and future in Syria is worthy of note, whether or not it comes to fruition. And if it does, this article can hold him accountable.
1
In a recent article the Wall Street Journal looked at the American "plan" to withdraw troops from Syria, but station them in Turkey. The analysis showed that Syria does not have the military might to defeat ISIS on its own, it would need American support, both in the air and on the ground. The assessment was that this course of action would actually increase the American presence in Syria, not decrease it. There is no explanation here, or elsewhere in the Times reporting, as to how the war in Syria would go forward without the US, or how the US would work with Turkey. The purported "reassurance" of this op ed is sadly lacking actual facts as to how the ends of both countries for the future of Syria (and notably our allies the Kurds) could be or would be accomplished. It is only too reminiscent of one of Trump's great triumphs, like the agreement with Kim Jong-Un.
1
NYT: You deserve every condemnation you receive on printing propaganda from this dictator.
There were reports that the donald, who so admires this man, called the troops out of Syria after a phone call with erdogan.
Erdogan's thugs attacked American protestors in DC the day of the inauguration.
You have some real explaining to do on publishing this one. And your editorial board needs to do some real hard thinking about what your actions lead to. Propaganda is not worthy of an opinion piece.
655
@Currents
I would rather say you deserve to feel embarrassed for opposing Erdogan's exposing his intentions. Exposure is an enemy of bullying authoritarian rulers.
24
@Thomas Zaslavsky
That's a fine talking point, but Erdogan obviously believes it is to his advantage to defend himself in print. I doubt he is wrong. If nothing else, it lends legitimacy to a totalitarian ruler.
12
@Currents
It is not wrong to let a dictator explain himself in print. The gap between his words and actions is particularly illuminating. That display is one function of a free press.
Why do you think that an opinion piece is not propaganda?
2
Funny, but I have a hard time trusting the moderate & reasonable tone of Mr. Erdogan. Given his crackdowns of late I find myself wondering what his game is, what stable government he thinks should rule Syria - Assad? Someone else? I am especially queasy about the seemingly relaxed attitude towards the Kurds. They latter are looking to have an independent Kurdistan, which I do not think would be limited to Kurds who happen to be in Turkey or Syria, but rather would include all Kurds.
It might seem tempting to hand Turkey the lead or even most of the job in Syria. After all, some will say, it is an Islamic country of that region finally stepping up. Still, I worry about what Erdogan's end game is...
131
@Anne-Marie Hislop He has already annexed Afrin all Kurdish street names are now Turkish all government buildings have Turkish plaques. A city of 80% Kurdish people and a Turkish population of 0 has more Turkish street names than civilians. Why is this? Ethnic cleansing that’s his game
6
@Anne-Marie Hislop- and what is our end game if I may ask
@Anne-Marie Hislop
Erdogan's motives can be seen in his jailing (and refusal to release in the face of a binding ECHR decision) the Kurdish politician Demirtas, his replacement of umpteen democratically elected mayors with his party's nominees, his breach of a UN Resolution 2401 (2018) "damn your UN resolution!" said Erdogan and so on and on.
The major grouping to which the Syrian Kurds belong, the Syrian Democratic Council, do not, in fact, seek an independent Kurdistan, but a federal, democratic Syria which protects the rights, cultures and languages of all Syrians regardless of religion or ethnicity. Syrians are Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Alevis, Alawites, Syriac and Aramean Christians, Ezidi, Druze, Ishmaili, Zoroastrians, Atheists. Syrians are Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, Chechens, Armenians.
It is unlikely in the extreme that a Turkish president who spends more on the budget of his Diyanet Sunni Muslim "task force" than on education and who uses former ISIS and Nusra Jihadis as well as their former allies (most credibly accused of war crimes) as part of his bought and paid for (Syrian) National Front for Liberation (!) can be relied upon to treat Syrian minorities with decency, especially the Kurds who he has branded "fire worshippers".
One obvious point, Erdogan clearly did not write this opinion piece. It would be interesting to know whether it was written by a PR company or by his one time advisor Ilnur Cevik, who seems to be on permanent "fishing leave".
5
Interesting. I'm looking forward to the piece authored by the fox on its comprehensive strategy to promote long-term peace in the henhouse.
16
Why is the NY Times publishing Erdogan's OpEd? Why do they need to give him a sanctioned platform to address the U.S. Public?
27
@C it’s his last chance. The Turkish news made a big deal of this article saying that Turkey is showing those imperialists whose boss. They have no idea their leader is pleading to their sworn enemy
1
So the Times has noted that both Putin and Erdogan approve of Trump´s withdrawal plans from Syria.
Who´s the next charming world leader to do so?
12
Wait! I thought Putin was the only leader of a repressive anti-American regime that was giving Trump orders!!
14
@Jim Dennis
No, there are the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, North Korea and, occasionally, China.
1
You can't be serious. American citizens have first Amendment rights here. Lying, murderous despots do not. This monster is champing at the bit to murder the Kurds. Do we really intend to leave our one reliable ally there hanging?
21
Really, an op-ed in the NYT from a brutal dictator? What's next, a style guide from Kim Jong Un?
The Times should do better than publish propaganda from a man who has systematically dismantled democratic institutions and norms.
He and Turkey are not our allies, nor is Saudi Arabia.
45
A brutal islamist dictator applauding the words of a wannabe dictator. That's the world we seem to live in these days.
9
A tyrant dictator who had his goons attack US Citizens on US soil, and who has a record of murdering journalists and citizens of his own country, should not be trusted to not murder Kurdish allied forces who fought bravely. Nor should he enjoy a voice to spread his propaganda in the paper of record!
19
coming tomorrow: no collusion by putin
16
@jy "coming tomorrow: no collusion by putin"
well, to this point, that would be true. Russia clearly interfered with the election (though studies on social media affects show that the direct influence was probably slight) but where's the proof of collusion with Trump?
At least people in Turkey don't have to pay 5k for a funeral, how can any of you talk about human rights lol.
Also interesting how you all ignore facts about how the Turkish army kicked out terrorists both in Al Bab and Afrin without destroying the infrastrucutre and raising an entire city to the ground like what the US did in Raqqa.
"In 2016, Turkey became the first country to deploy ground combat troops to fight the so-called Islamic State in Syria."
Where were your countries?
You people also talk as if Turkey stood by and did nothing, are you even aware how many isis terrorists have been captured in Turkey trying to go to Syria and in most cases sent back to EU, where most isis are from, followed by North Africa.
Finally, don't even use the word 'allies'. Turkish soldiers fought side by side and died for you in the Korean war so yes, it was the Americans that betrayed the Turks for Marxist Kurdish terrorists!
Look at the flag of the YPG, that communist inspired star represents everything the USA 'hates' lol
@Tezel Afrin was a 90% Kurdish city with no fighting. Ur dictator is placing Arabs in Kurdish homes. He’s changing Kurdish place names into Arabic and he’s destroyed a Kurdish cultural landmark. Out of everywhere in Syria why did Erdogan only take Afrin, a Kurdish city with no violence. Raqqa was the capital of Isis, Afrin is a Kurdish town of 35000 people you can’t compare Afrin to Raqqa. The USA has more soldiers in Syria than Turkey, they have done more good than Turkey. The ceasefire created by Turkey has lead to Hayat Tahrir al-shams rise in Idlib. They are the real terrorists created by your government
1
This is disgusting. No matter if the man has interesting or insightful things to say, autocrats should never be given a platform in an institution as illustrious as the Times. Can you imagine publishing an op-Ed by Vladimir Putin?
16
Hate to break it to you but the NYT actually did publish an op-Ed by Putin.
I am surprised and disappointed that a dictator who persecutes the free press is being given a voice in the Times.
23
Locked up any journalists lately Recep? stupid question of course you have, sacked anyone who disagrees with your view, stupid question, of course you have, have you sacked or jailed anyone who you perceive has different view to yours lately? Stupid question, of course you have because that is what you are, a dictator with little substance who cannot stand criticism, justified or not. You are the cause of your countrys ills, you are the reason your country is losing its educated youth. Europe was wise not to accept Turkey into the Union while you are anywhere near the levers of power, when you are gone, which will happen sooner or later Turkey will breathe a sigh of relief along with the rest or Europe. Europe has seen the likes of you before, and we all know what happened there, the international community cannot afford to make the same mistake again today.
5
why does mr. erdogan get a voice in the ny times? isn't it enough he has kneecapped and taken over all the press outlets in his own country?
the only solace is that his day will one day come when the fundamentalist movement of which he has been a part for nearly 40 years finally precipitates a full blown civil war in turkey between his resurgent muslim movement and...everyone else (secular turks, the few christian minorities, the heterodox alevis numbering nearly 20% of the population, the kurds and of course, the supporters of gulen...regrettable that so much blood will be spilt and neighboring countries like greece will be put in jeopardy!
5
Erdogan, the denier of the Armenian Holocaust, the destroyer of the Ata Turk legacy, the despot who violates human rights each and every day, can simply not be trusted
He is a danger to his country and to the region, and if we leave Syria he will massacre the Syrian Kurds.
12
Did the Times actually verify that what is claimed to have been written by President Erdogan has actually been written by him, as opposed to having been written by a professional pr firm and then attributed to him? My bet is on the latter. If that's the case that's ok. But you should at least indicate somewhere who the contributing writers to the column were.
(Note: this comment was written solely by it's named author and not reviewed by any other person - which explains the poor grammar and weak argument contained herein).
5
There are a lot of problems with this article and its argument that I could talk about, but the real issue is that the New York Times, which prides itself on journalism and a free press, chooses to give space in their editorial pages for the world's number one jailer and persecutor of reporters and cartoonists. Shame on the Times for allowing itself to be used as a mouthpiece for an authoritarian who contradicts all of their stated values
12
Fantastic!!! Who's next in line to assure us that they will take care of the most pressing issues happening at the hot spots all around the globe? Putin? Duterte? Kim? Mbasogo? Maduro? Aliyev? Assad? Al-Bashir?
C'mon folks! Really? I can't believe what I'm seeing here at The Times. Sheesh...
11
It is telling that many comments here seem most concerned with the fact that the NYTimes published this piece rather than discussing its contents. Censorship sure seems alluring it seems. It is because the author of this piece has suspect goals and methods (not just that he is a head-of-state) that make this part of the news that's fit to print. Perhaps, points in common among readers may possibly be discovered. Thus, he may be discussed and countered in the public forum that newspapers (and these comments) represent. Providing that forum to opposite, even inflammatory, opinion is the point. Otherwise, journalism devolves into a vacuous exercise in cheerleading at best (or into a pernicious propaganda machines at their worst) no matter how well-intentioned the censors may seem at the time to their like-minded readers.
157
@Gowan McAvity i will be watching to see if conversation does indeed occur. I am suspicious of Erdogan, but I also want to hear analysis now, from the times or outside writes. Point and counter point.
6
@Gowan McAvity A newspaper choosing not to publish an editorial is not censorship.
Erdogan is free to publish his nonsense in his own newspapers.
Censorship would be if the government prevented a newspaper from publishing an editorial.
27
@Ben
There are many forms of censorship. Government censorship on the freedom the press is an attack on liberty and democracy of the nation. Censorship within the family may an attack on in individual liberty. Self-censorship can an attack on reason and the liberty of the mind. Suppression and repression eventually breeds neurosis of the mind, the society and the body politic until countered publicly and discussed thoroughly.
3
ERDOGAN'S cast himself as a strongman on top of a burgeoning thugocracy in Turkey. He's declared the most effective military group in Syria, the Kurdish fighters of Peshmerga a terrorist group. The Kurds are the largest ethnic group in the world without a homeland. They have a chance to have a homeland in Syria, logically with Turkey's support. Erdogan could achieve that by letting Turkish Kurds move across the border. From what I've read, the Kurds are interested in protecting themselves from Syrians, ISIS and the Turks. When Erdogan declares that the Kurds in Syria will be left in peace, he can move forward with his plans. Not until he has acknowledged the rights of the Kurds in Syria to self-determination. Those in Turkey who advocate for a Kurdish homeland must resolve that with the Turks.
7
@John Jones why should we cross the border to Syria, Turkey has the largest Kurdish population in the world. Also,he would never allow a Kurdish government in north Syria out of question elections are looming he would lose if he donee that
1
It may or may not be true that Trump was correct in withdrawing from Syria. This was the first line of Erdogan's Editorial. It would have been very useful if he explained why that is the case. Turkey may have a good plan and still Trump's decision is wrong. It would be good if he explained why the U.S. exit was such a good idea.
2
@Michael Cohen it allows him to invade Western Kurdistan, i.e Rojava, i.e the SDF. That’s why it’s a good idea
1
This is actually a really big article.
What just caused this catastrophe in the Middle East, and General Mattis to resign, was the threat of Turkish forces moving over the border and massacring American Kurdish allies.
Now, Turkey is promising that Syrian Kurds not only are under no threat from the Turkish government, but would be supported as an independent state.
Of course, having the Americans at the table while the Turks, Kurds, Russians, and Assad all bargain this out will be necessary. It shouldn't take that long, only a year or two.
But seriously. This whole fiasco (a possible multi-generational blood feud with the US, the complete loss of all American credibility) should never have happened. How hard is it to delete a Twitter account??
6
What if we directly taxed only the Americans who want the war to pay for the war? Those not wanting the war would not have to pay. That would end most wars real fast, wouldn't it? There will always be reasons for hawks to go to war, for old men to send young men to die. When was the last time we were not at war? Peace and prosperity go together. Peace must be our priority.
6
Crowd funding war. Kickstarter war. No war.
If Turkey is so good at forming truly representative local administrations why does the state hold nine elected parliamentarians from pro-Kurdish HDP and 60 odd elected pro-Kurdish municipal mayors in prison on spurious charges, and why has it dismissed 102 elected pro-Kurdish municipal mayors and appointed Turks to replace them since 2016, and why is it threatening to do the same after the March 2019 municipal elections?
16
Not to mention imprisoned journalists...
2
@Gina Lennox
Turkey has also refused to release HDP leader despite the ruling by European Court of Human Rights to release him immediately as his basic human rights were violated.
Erdogan has also promised to remove all newly elected Kurdish mayors in the upcoming local election and replace them with his appointees.
The thinking of Turkish state is that through genocide after genocide "We have eliminated all the Armenians, Greeks, Jewish and other minorities and the world has remained silent. We can do the same to the Kurds in Turkey, Iraq and Syria"
Another aspect of this recent policy shift is that both Erdogan and Trump are in Putin's pockets.
US has done the fighting but just before negotiating the outcome for its objectives, Trump left the table with a twit
Erdogan is in a similar situation. After the coup attempt, he and his allies said they have purged all the pro-Nato soldiers. Half of the top ranking military have been expelled and prisoned including ones on Nato mission abroad
Even if people do not care about Kurds, they should recognise that they are the only true ally in the region for non-jihadist world. They are happy to live with other ethnicities or religions and accept women as equals
On the other hand Erdogan and his henchmen rejected that ISIS and El Nusra were terrorists, they were just angry sunni muslims opposing injustice. He is on the record saying "No westerners will ever walk safely anywhere in the world"
I think the choice should be clear
3
@Gina Lennox You know more than 80% of the Turkish population. It makes me glad that there are others who see the ‘democracy’ of ERDOGAN
Erdogan says that Trump is right on Syria. That's enough for me. Trump must be completely wrong.
39
@J.G....Good Point
3
@J.G. He’s saying Trump is right to leave. Well trump recently done a u-turn so currently Erdogan doesn’t agree with Trump. So Trump is right, he’s blocking Iranian and Russian interests whilst defeating Isis and preventing a modern day holocaust in northern Syria, who knows he may even remove Kurds from the list of people’s without a state. Basically Erdogan only agrees with Trump if Trump leaves Syria and leaves the Kurds at Turkeys mercy, Bolton is in Turkey now protecting the Kurds.
1
"Following the United States withdrawal from Syria, we will complete an intensive vetting process to reunite child soldiers with their families and include all fighters with no links to terrorist organizations in the new stabilization force."
Meaning: as long as the US withdraws, we will peacefully massacre the Kurds and any kurdish resistance to teach them a lesson not interfere in our plans and fight our IS protegees.
A wolf is making a case to trust him with heard of sheep.
10
My cat too has a peace plan for birds in the tree.
66
I like his plan ,but our problem is our country seems to like to to expend X amount of munitions monthly . Its what we do !
The Syrian Kurds are already discussing seeking protection from Assad (and thus Iran, Turkey’s archenemy in the region) to keep from being destroyed by Turkish troops if the US pulls out of Syria. Why would Erdogan show tolerance and peace toward the Kurds when they align with his enemies? It’s more likely that he declares them to have “terrorist ties” (to Assad and Iran) and then wipes them out like his helicopters are already doing to the Kurds inside Turkey. What an absurd op-ed. Who is this trying to convince? Why ask the fox if the hen-house is safe?
11
Turkey has a skin in the game. The Wikipedia article Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present) states that there have been the total of 50,000-55,000 people have been killed in Turkey for the last 40 years. Naturally, they will protect their Southern borders with a secure buffer zone at the end of this campaign. Moreover, they will provide protected safe regions where 3.5-4.00 Million Syrian refugees in Turkey will relocate soon. Regardless we like or dislike Turkish plans, we must be cool and logical with progressive vision for the region and the Syrian Arabs Turkmens as well who have been suffering for the last several decades.
@Ali
Sure you would like to commit another genocide and move Turkey's jihadists in ethnically cleansed Kurdish lands. And continue to blackmail Europe and the US with this new jihadists heaven.
But please do not have the audacity to ask the rest of the world to help you commit another genocide in the 21st century.
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Perhaps Erdogan should’ve mentioned his army’s achievements in Afrin as well, what was a stable, diverse community under the role YPG Has been turned into a nest of terror after Turkish occupation in March 2018. Hundreds of civilians killed, thousands wounded, hundreds of thousands of original inhabitants forced out to live in camps outs the region only to be replaced by extremists Islamists. Kidnapping, torture, confiscating lands and properties, have become the normal in Afrin. Kurdish symbols were destroyed, Kurdish language banned from school to be replaced by Turkish one are among some of the atrocities committed by the Turks on a daily basis. I know it first since I’m from Afrin
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@Edward population of Afrin was nearly homogenously Kurdis before the war. My guy replaced all Kurdish street names with Turkish ones. The Turkish population in Afrin is only a couple dozen soldiers. He’s agricultural minister recently admittedly that they confiscated 700kg of olives from Kurdish olive farmers in Afrin. But don’t worry it’s only to prevent the olives from getting in terrorist hands.;)
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Who exactly is inviting Erdogan and Turkey into Syria?
It's not the Kurds, or the Yazidis.
I doubt it's Putin. Turkey may be flirting with aligning with Russia, but all Turkey has to do is look at per-capita incomes in Russia versus Western Europe.
It's almost certainly not Assad, unless he wants a Sunni autocrat to carve out a large chunk of the Syria for himself. Assad and his cronies are Alawite, which pretty much means they're Shiite.
Not likely Iran, that whole Sunni-Shiite thing again.
Will Russia stand up to Erdogan in exchange for getting their port on the Mediterranean? Or are Turkey and Russia conspiring to take over the country, leaving Assad as a puppet ruler for the time being?
None of this makes any sense. Which makes it just another day in the Levant . . .
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I would really like to hear what former Defense Secretary Mattis would have to say about this, one side only, piece.
Secretary Mattis resigned over Trumps hasty plan to pull troops out of the region, and John Bolton is now walking back Trumps dictator wanna be indulgence of Erdogan.
Publishing this piece would only have been appropriate if Mattis had written a companion opinion piece.
9
Well, over the last 3 weeks we've seen US foreign policy being driven by Putin, and Erdogan. And, US domestic policy being driven by Hannity and Coulter. Trump isn't even making an honest attempt to understand what's going on or govern. Just disgusting. And, we're not even at the 50% point of Trump's 4 year term of office.
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@rlkinny
you hit the nail on the head!
2
Interesting exercise of discretion on the part of the Times to publish this piece and, more importantly, allow comments.
I think its absolutely correct for the Times to publish Erdogan's views. By choosing to allow comments (which is not always the
case) the Times has given the Bolton, Pompeo, Adelson, Foundation For The Defense of Democracies Group (The Adelson Group) a nice fat pitch to knock out of the park.
The Adelson Group wants the US to find a reason to justify an unnecessary "preemptive" war against Iran. Trump's decision to
remove US Troops from Syria lessens the likelihood of an incident
that can be blamed on Iran and used to justify the war the Adelson Group wants.
I'm guessing I'm not the only one skeptical about the passion and concern the Adelson Group has for the Kurds.
3
I do sometimes wish when the Times published op-eds from individuals with questionable credibility such as Erdogan, they simultaneously published an analysis of the claims being made.
There is unquestionable value in publishing the words of a foreign leader, but some of Pres Erdogan’s claims that are clearly misrepresentative of reality should be analyzed and challenged by Editors.
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@Jake Robinson
It could be in an interview or the reporting of a rally.
Has any parliament of the world ever allowed an editor of a leading newspaper to give a political speech in a parliament? I cannot recall hearing of such an event.
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@CitizenTM
What are you referring to? This is an op-ed published in the Times by the Pres of Turkey, not a political speech released by the Parliament of Turkey... What in my original comment remotely comes close to suggesting a newspaper editor give a speech at parliament?
"Interview or the reporting of a rally?!" What are referring to? This is a piece published in a newspaper, and the Times should respond to dubious claims put forth on its pages, rather than letting them stand on their own.
if only the non-muslim minorities had had the support that the kurds enjoy in these comments, then turkey would still have vital greek, armenian and jewish minorities - especially in istanbul where, in 1900, greeks made up nearly half the popuation of greater istanbul.
the armenians were extinguished in 1915; and a lesser genocide as well as a forced exchange of populations emptied asia minor of its ancient greek population by 1923. with the writing on the wall, jews have been steadily emigrating. soon no non-muslims will be left.
the kurdish southeast has been bearing the brunt of a scorched earth policy on the part of the turkish army...they are an ancient people and it seems that they will continue to hold out against incredible repression. what an incredibly sad story...
4
@cossak there were more Greeks in Izmir than in Athens in 1920. It was the last bastion of Greeks on Asia Minor.
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Here's a foreign president, an ally, but also a suspect one. A ruthless man with some disturbing ideas on who is and isn't worthy of human rights.
And while its certain this piece was likely not written exclusively by Mr. Erdogan - its still a lucid, cogent defense of his position as it pertains to Syria and other actors in the region.
Imagine...(oh how much I do) our own president "writing" such a piece. Imagine IF Trump even had the desire to present a coherent opinion piece - let alone present his opinion (on any important issue) that followed a logical form. That was relevant in scope, that didn't go off on tangents, and lasted several paragraphs in a properly written form.
Oh how much I yearn for such a president. It feels like a decade since we last had such a POTUS.
2
But there will be state sponsor killing and suppression of the Kurds. The very same people who have been fighting shoulder to shoulder with our US forces against ISIS - to walk away and betray their trust and hand this region over to Putin and Russia would be yet another shameful action by Putin’s lapdog Trump.
Hard to believe but even Bolton understands this
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Surely this must be among the best of what the internet has to offer, when a world leader can voice his opinion and anyone is free to respond. We have to admire a country where this is possible.
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@Terry Right, because they certainly woudln't allow this type of feedback in Turkey, where insulting Erdogan gets you murdered or thrown in prison.
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Yes, too bad he has essentially outlawed free speech in his country.
2
"Turkey is committed to defeating the so-called Islamic State and OTHER TERRORIST GROUPS in Syria". Let's just be honest, Erdogan has essentially declared that he's coming after the Kurds once the US leaves.
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This will be interesting. Sunni Turkey will be in Syria alongside of Assad's friends Christian Russia and Shiite Iran. There may be a showdown between the three. Turkey is the logical force as Syria has a Sunni majority, but that means getting rid of Assad and Syria's religious Aliwite leadership. If peace does come to Syria there is also the question of rebuilding almost the entire country, and who pays for? Finally, what about Syria's Kurds? The Kurds of Syria and Iraq have been the greatest allies of the United States. How do we prevent Turkey from destroying the Syrian Kurds?
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@Mark Ryan "How do we prevent Turkey from destroying the Syrian Kurds" You are speaking the Neo Cons' language. To quote Erdogan: "I would like to point out that we have no argument with the Syrian Kurds.
Under wartime conditions, many young Syrians had no choice but to join the P.Y.D./Y.P.G., the Syrian branch of the P.K.K., that Turkey and the United States consider a terrorist organization. According to Human Rights Watch, the Y.P.G. militants have violated international law by recruiting children."
1
@Mark Ryan
Peace is so 20th Century. Security, now that sells. Though for that there always has to be a threat.
@Mark Ryan By keeping US soldiers in western Kurdistan we can protect them. Erdogan isn’t courageous enough to take the US head on he’s used to having planes, tanks, missiles and jihadists when killing Kurds armed only with rifles. Hence US backing alone will deter him
1
It is very difficult to believe that a leader who has flaunted many democratic principles can be trusted to develop and oversee democratic institutions in Syria. Besides, why does the presence of 2,000 US soldiers prevent Turkey from contributing in positive ways? The fact that he published this in the NYT suggests he believes he can influence the educated Americans - I doubt the experts will trust nor endorse his plan.
26
The fox always has a long list of reasons why he's the best choice to guard the henhouse.
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Was this opinion piece fact-checked before it was published?
If not, I would suggest that it be taken with a grain of salt.
Erdogan is a brutal dictator.
I can't imagine that peace has anything to do with why he wants to be involved even more in Syria.
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I have seen few comments about hatred of Turkey as a whole. This op-ed was written by Erdogan. Since he is the autocratic leader of the Turkish government, and it seems likely he will be for the foreseeable future, opinions about his character and intentions are relevant to a discussion of the argument which Erdogan makes in this op-ed.
If you would like to make an argument about why the U.S. should withdraw from Syria, it is not necessary to begin by accusing other commentators of being derivative or intellectually lazy.
3
I recall a time not very long-ago when Erdogan supporters here in the U.S. were loudly cheering on his support for flotilla attacks against Israel.
Where are these self-styled "progressives" now when ordinary Turkish citizens would like to a see a few such attacks launched in his direction?
11
... would like to see ....
2
Seriously? There is no need to tarnish the pages of the New York Times by providing a brutal dictator a channel in which broadcast his self-serving screed. After all, he has wrested control of most if not practically all of the media outlets in his own fiefdom, which ought to provide enough of a captive audience to gratify his need to be heard.
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Echos of Mike Flynn's editorial from about 2 years ago reverberate still.
1
When an article like this is written by someone with an international reputation for corruption and abuse of power, it's really hard not to dismiss it, pretty much in its entirety.
At the same time, I see the value in publishing it, at least from the New York Times' perspective. Here, now, we have a reference point, or somewhat of an official statement of intent that Turkey can now be tied to by the international community as it grapples with the turmoil to its southern border. So ... that's something.
And, in full honesty, the approach Erdogan outlines for Kurdish groups in Syria -- again, taken with grape-sized grains of salt here -- seems like the kind of solution that internationally-brokered diplomacy could only dream of, assuming the Kurds could be convinced to ever wholly give up their mission for an autonomous state.
Yes, in fact, it does sound good. Which, we might imagine, was the whole point of writing this article to begin with.
But these days it seems like many strong-men politicians are constantly presenting solutions that sound good, but end up masking really hideous intentions that are actually horrific for millions upon millions of people.
This wasn't the Center for Middle East Policy that wrote this. It was Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
18
When Trump decides on a course of action in foreign policy, and Erdogan, Assad, and Putin agree with said course of action, there is a 100% chance that it is a corrupt bargain that is to the detriment of the United States of America.
Welcome to the new Axis of Evil. All we have to do now is wait for Kim Jun Un to weigh in (no pun intended) with his endorsement as well.
Is this even a question any more?
Trump may as well declare under FARA and get it over with.
13
Great. First Putin says trump did the right thing. Now Erdogan. Great character witnesses.
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@J Darby
trump thinks so. They'll probably have to talk him out of putting it on his 2020 campaign poster.
2
@Jenifer
Funny. We're conversing on a media site based thousands of miles away yet we're based just a dozen or so miles apart (I assume it's Issaquah WA).
1
The US out of Syria; what a great idea!
How about Afghanistan next? The Brits and the Russkies couldn’t tame Afghanistan; how costly in dollars and American lives for us to think we could succeed. And now the Iraqis want us to leave their miserable country!
The US is not the world’s policeman; why should our children (and tax dollars) be fodder for senseless wars?
5
This article almost reads like a piece from the Onion. If you have followed events on the Syrian-Turkish border over the past 7 years or so you know: that elements of the Turkish state facilitated ISIS recruits crossing the border from Turkey into Syria to join up, most likely supplied ISIS with weapons, bought oil from ISIS, created a refugee crisis in Europe beginning in fall of 2015 with the "Bodrum flotilla"; had their ISIS allies in al-Bab shave their their beards then transform themselves into the "Free Syrian Army." Whoever wrote this piece for Turkey's strongman would evidently like us to believe that green is blue or and up is down. Peace is war. Bravo!
20
LOL. Turkey? Yea, no.
9
It is difficult to trust the authoritarian leader of a country without a free press that encourages tribal divisions. I wonder if this piece in The NY Times was written by a public relations firm employed by Turkey.
12
Pol Pot also got the job done, that's exactly the problem
10
I refuse to read this article. The Times has no business giving free press space to a dictator for propaganda. Shame, shame, shame. Let's get Putin, Kim, and Trump in here too. Perhaps Asad needs a little PR. I am digusted beyond words.
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@MJ, I respect NYT for publishing this piece of drivel. I want to know what our enemies are thinking.
1
Thank you for sharing your dispassionate opinion. Not!
1
Way to scrape the bottom of the barrel, New York Times.
And no, no way I am reading what this dictator-wannabe says.
11
Regardless of what one thinks of Erdogan’s government, regarding defeating ISIS, the US, the Middle East states, and Western Europe owe Turkey under the leadership of Erdogen a debt of gratitude: Wars against insurgency groups are won or lost on the ground based on the movement of troops on the ground. Turkey has been the only country to deploy large ground forces capable of pushing the so-called ‘Islamic State’ out of Raka. Granted Turkey did so based on its national security interests, as do all states.
The Peshmergha (Kurds) have fought hard suffering great losses, however, they were only able to defend their position, but not capable of rolling back ISIS occupation in the wide swath of territory that is eastern Syria and home to ISIS. US aerial bombardment could and did disperse ISIS fighters, but without occupying territory, American aerial campaign was not detrimental to final outcome than, nor is it now, and its troop presence on the ground, albeit lethal, has been marginal. Russian aerial bombardment targeted insurgent groups opposed to Assad in Home, Huma and elsewhere in the Western Syria, it has not targeted the ISIS-controlled territory, much to the dismay of the West. IO hate to admit it but Erdogan got the job done, in a way that the West could not.
2
Let’s remember: this is the man who had his bodyguards assault Kurdish protestors IN WASHINGTON while he looked on. This is a man who has turned a democratic nato ally into an autocracy, effectively ended Turkey’s policy of secularism, and built himself a thousand room palace to live in at a cost of $615 million dollars. He is also destroying Turkey’s free press. Is all this to be overlooked on account of his role in the Khashoggi drama?
Questionable decision by NYT to give Erdogan this platform— especially without some kind of disclaimer. But let’s look at what’s here, underneath all the carefully calibrated rhetoric.
Erdogan says he considers member of the Y.P.G. terrorists, and also that no that one with terrorist affiliations would be permitted to participate in the “local councils” he plans on setting up. So what he’s suggesting is that he plans to completely destroy the current method of governance in the region of Syria controlled by the Kurds, with U.S assent. It seems unlikely that this would go well.
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@John
I thought those were Turkish protestors, by which I mean not only Kurds. I'm just rubbing it in to Erdogan, who is just as bad as you say. Despite that, giving him a platform in the Times is not a bad thing. We are not expected to believe every op-ed.
4
"Turkey can get the job done". I do not doubt that.
For Erdogan, the "job" is slaughtering the Kurds. And Trump has conspired to let that happen.
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This is how Trump wants to act; start paying attention America
11
@Johnl
NO. This is how he's already acting.
1
Who facilitated the entry of thousands of terrorists into Syria?
Who was buying oil from the organization of the Islamic state by tens of millions
18
So, Turkey is defending against armed ISIS remnants threatening NATO's borders? IS recruits were flying into Turkey, in order to regroup for military incursions into Syria, or have you forgotten? ISIS, who were for so long selling stolen Syrian fuel to Turkish companies, in order to fund their war effort against the Assad government, until the Russians destroyed their fuel convoys? How many Syrian rebels who are supported by Turkey were formerly fighting under the black banner of ISIS?
I am disappointed and appalled by the content of the article.
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@Ken Recently I’m not joking the Anadolu Agency, state news outlet of Turkey, posted an article with a Free Syrian Army commanders picture. The commander is a previous member of Isis whose mugshot was released by the Kurds for his capture.
1
Pity your actions are so different to the words and tone of this article. Just like Putin who invades and poisons and denies, you are a wolf in sheep’s clothing. No credibility no integrity. You close down media, lock up your teachers and thousands of innocents, you close down twitter, engage in widespread corruption and kill Kurds. You fit in well with the leaders of USA, Russia, Saudi, Phillipines.
19
Of course you do. Just trust you, right?
7
Plan Step.1. Eliminate the Kurds.
15
Like many of the other commenters, I find it absolutely disgusting that the NYT gives a voice to the reprehensible leader of an autocratic state which imprisons more journalists than practically any other nation on the planet. Absolutely shameful.
45
Turkey and Erdogan did absolutely nothing when black ISIS flags were flying just across its borders. They even kept border crossing operational and traded with ISIS which documented by US, EU and Russia (oil). Meanwhile they did not even allow coalition forces to use Incirlik airbase in Turkey
In Turkey the political party HDP which is especially popular among Kurds -tens of its parliamentarians and all its mayors were put in prison
He is shamelessly accusing US\Europe for disregard for civilian lives. He gives Al Bab and Afrin as examples. In Al Bab, Turkey had a deal with ISIS. ISIS fighters handed overthe city to Turkey and they were integrated in the Turkish backed Free Syrian Army. No fighting took place in the city. They later attacked Kobani killing 350 women and children while Kobani Kurds fighting ISIS elsewhere.
In last couple of years Turkey completely erased large Kurdish cities from the map displacing up to a million people - again all this documented by the UN, EU, US.
The US/Erope should never trust this man and Turkey. They promised to clear the jihadists in Idlip. As soon as they entered there with Russia permission. They turned around and attacked Kurds in Afrin ethnically cleansing 200K Kurds replacing them with jihadists. 2 years on Turkish army is happily cohabiting in Idlib with 50K Al Qaeda fighters.
PKK is just a smoke screen. Turkey threatened to starve the Kurds in Iraq and has genocidal intent against the Kurds. They should not be allowed!
12
@BO He’s son in law was energy minister wiki leaks released Erdogan son in laws emails that proved his purchase of Isis petrol. Obviously wiki leaks was immediately banned in Turkey alongside Wikipedia which created an article on Turkey-Isis co-operation
1
I am confused. Why is Erdogan publishing an opinion piece in the NYT?
22
@NICHOLS COURT It is beyond disgusting and beyond forgivable.
2
Many commentators don't seem to realize that the Kurdish militia occupying Syria's side of the border with Turkey is far more dangerous to NATO member Turkey than the presence of an Iranian militia in Syria is to Israel, yet we go to great lengths to counter the Iranian militia while forcefully supporting the Kurdish militia. This is confused and contradictory.
There are no Iranian terrorists attacking targets in Israel, whereas the Kurdish PPK organization has been committing terrorist acts against civilians and military inside Turkey for over 30 years. That is why the Turks are as determined as the Israelis to prevent the territorial establishment of a hostile militia on its border.
The US has designated the PPK as a terrorist organization, but the US nominally supports the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria despite the US Intelligence and Defense communities regarding the YPG as the PPK's "militia force in Syria."
We have formed a sentimental attachment to the Kurds as our allies against lSIS in Iraq and northern Syria, but the alliance is against a common enemy out of convenience. The Kurds' ambition is to carve their own territory out of Syria, Turkey and Iraq -- with US assistance in Syria, in defiance of international law. The Turks will never allow that to happen, so what is the US goal in continuing to support a terrorist organization that is a direct military threat to a NATO ally?
5
@Nick Wright The PKK doesn’t kill civilians, that needs to be understood, all clashes between Turkish forces and PKK is in Kurdish cities why would PKK kill the very people they aim to liberate. Until 1990 Kurdish was banned in Turkey, Kurds were called mountain Turks and were subject to the governments favourite saying single race, single language, single government, single flag. The PKK started to oppose the oppression of Kurds by Turks. Kurds are second class citizens, if a Kurd stated their ethnicity until 2001 this was a criminal offence punished with jail time. The 30,000 people are all Kurds killed by the government. All Kurds in Turkey support the PKK, they all vote HDP which is linked to the PKK why would they vote for the group that killed 30,000 Kurdish civilians in Turkey. They didn’t, buildings in Diyarbakir are destroyed villages are emptied and demolished in the southeast of Turkey on a daily basis to stop terrorism, that terrorism is only a big farce a tool to legitimise ethnic cleansing. Since the Turks arrived from Central Asia 1000 years ago they have harrasedm`Kurds. We were in Anatolia before them and they still aim to kick us out of the country, a majority of them hate Kurds but they still deny Kurds independence, they want to see us suffer
1
@Nick Wright you need to do some reading of history my friend - and learn about kemal ataturk's bombing of the kurds beginning in 1926 (musa dag) - and denial of their very existence as a race (mountain turks, not kurds)...
1