EGF Turkey File, January — March, 2018

Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics

Mid-January 2018 — Mid-March 2018

By Ben McPherson, Incoming Turkey and Black Sea Regional Analyst

Key Points:

• 'Operation Olive Branch' proceeding quickly, as Turkey-aligned forces seize Afrin
  • More air support and direct Turkish Armed Forces involvement lead to decisive victory
• Will President Erdoğan make good on his promises to continue to Manbij, and beyond?
• Erdoğan"s trip to Africa highlights economic cooperation and strong ties
  • Are visits strictly economics, or part of a geopolitical trend?