EGF Turkey File, September — November, 2019

Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics

September — November 2019

By Ben McPherson, EGF Turkey and Black Sea Regional Analyst

Key Points:

• Regional upheaval as Trump withdraws US troops from Rojava, and Ankara takes quick advantage
  • The Trump administration, under strong bi-partisan pressure in Congress, whiplashes through various responses during Operation Peace Spring
  • Moscow and Ankara advance their role as key decision-makers in Syria
  • Confusing situation on the ground — how long will the ceasefire hold?
• Turkish economy posts 0.9% growth in Q3
• Ankara issues a forceful request to NATO about the YPG, as pre-condition for approving a defence plan in the Baltic Sea area