Turkey wrong to attack Syria, further bloodshed is 'no solution'
by Willy Meyer
On October 4, the Turkish parliament approved a law authorising the army to carry out operations in Syria. Since then, Turkey has been attacking targets in Syria using reprisal for the bombing of Free Syrian Army bases on the border of the country as an excuse. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already announced that Syrian soldiers moving closer to the border with Turkey will be treated as military targets, raising the appalling spectre of an all-out invasion of Syria.
Such a scenario is a real threat to stability in the Middle East region when talks within the framework of the United Nations mission are needed more than ever. While the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has reiterated its backing of Turkey's position, we on the left unambiguously oppose any armed intervention in Syria including via the supply of weapons and the funding of armed groups. Establishing a UN mediation mission to reach a cease-fire that puts an end to atrocities committed by both Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the opposition must be the number one priority. T
he Syrian people have a right to self-determination so they can carry out much-needed reforms in their country without any foreign military interference. Tensions in the region call for diplomatic action with a commitment to peace, in full compliance with the UN charter and international law. The horrific humanitarian consequences of military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya have highlighted the urgent need for peace and negotiations. War only leads to more uncertainty, destruction, and loss of life.
Turkey's unsavoury track record of invasion and occupation, not to mention the violation of the principles of international and European law, must also be kept in mind. The most notorious example of this is its ongoing occupation of the northern part of the island of Cyprus in violation of the UN charter and the human rights and civil liberties of the Cypriot people. Its prevention of a bicommunal, bizonal federation solution for Cyprus in line with UN resolutions is threatening the peace process and endangering stability in a volatile region.
The delicate nature of relations in the Middle East means politicians must be firm in their dedication to peaceful solutions. This is why Israel's recent threats to strike Iran's nuclear sites have escalated tensions so worryingly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's menacing language in a speech to the UN on Iran claimed that time was running out, but reminded all those working for peace that the prevention of a possible attack by Israel on Iran is paramount for the safety of all those living in the Middle East and beyond.
For the reasons above, it is crucial that Europe begins a re-evaluation of its approach not just to Syria or the Middle East but to its entire Common Foreign and Security Policy. The CFSP.s current thrust is mistaken and inappropriate for effectively dealing with the challenges facing people across the globe. Every day, 70,000 people die of hunger in the world while $4bn is spent on weapons of mass destruction. These resources could go to healthcare or education - concrete forms of security that are so badly lacking.
The CFSP must be based on peaceful principles and must respect international law and the UN charter. A demilitarised approach anchored in a long-term vision of the European Union's responsibility in the world could ensure real progress towards the goal of peace as opposed to the role the EU currently plays - as a driving force for armament within and outside Europe. With all this in mind, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy chief Catherine Ashton should refuse to support any military solution to the Syrian conflict. Bloodshed is no solution, the only possible way out is peace.
Willy Meyer MEP is vice-president of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee and a member of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group
Herman Van Rompuy predicts 'concrete steps' forward in Turkey's stalled application for EU entry, and argues that Europe's post-war reconciliation might inspire a solution to the Cyprus dispute
It is true Syria must obey Turkey, as Syria is in no position to make any dicesions. As it is, Syria needs help right now - not Turkey. The whole situation must me sorted peacefully in a humane way - without any killing.
Yunus - England
Turkey and Syria have enjoyed a great relationship as neighbours and it is unfortunate to see a neighbour in turmoil. Turkey has reached out and made efforts to prompt some sort of peaceful alternative. Nonetheless, the situation continued to worsen.
Even though conflict in Syria progresses, one overriding principal remains the same: every country has the right to protect its borders. Decisions should not be made hastily and both Turkish officials and citizens have voiced their opposition towards military intervention from the very beginning.
But in light of the tone in the article, no deference has been given towards Turkey. Perhaps, rather than making sharp conclusory charges towards Turkey, the author could advance his views in light of the socioeconomic and political reality that exists in that region. Political actors make decisions based on these realities.
Zelda - New York
Syrian artillery shells killed several innocent Turkish civilians. In accordance with international law, Turkey has a right to protect its sovereignty and defend itself. NATO, the United Nations, and other international organisations have come out in support of Turkey's actions. It is very unsavoury to use the Syrian conflict as a vessel to attack Turkey about the Cypriot issue.
Altay - USA
Turkey, like all other countries, has the right to protect itself in case of armed conflict breaking out across its borders so I don't know why this article makes it seems as if Turkey's actions to protect its own lands are outrageous and unexpected. As a neighbor of a country who is now in turmoil, Turkey has done the right thing by protecting and accepting Syrian refugees while in the meantime protecting its borders against unwarranted attacks.
The Cyprus issue doesn't even remotely relate to what is going on in Syria so I don't know why this is considered or mentioned in the article. Moreover, Turkey abides by "principles of European and international law" or it would not have the support of various international organisations such as the UN and NATO. I think this article does a poor job of analyzing what the situation in the Middle East entails and its ramifications.
Nur - Chicago
Mr. Meyer. Come now, let's be realistic here. I expected a more insightful article than the one presented above. Have you any knowledge of foreign affairs or international law? Focus on your own country, before you look at others.
If an artillery shell landed in your living room, wouldn't you want your nation to do something about it? If another nation shot down your surveillance jet, wouldn't you want your government to do something about it?
What if it was your family, your son, or your young daughter that died, wouldn't you want your nation, your government to do something about it? Sir, my guess is a yes.
Lastly, why don't you focus on Spain's 22 per cent unemployment rate, fix your own problems before you start pointing fingers. Turkey doesn't answer to you, Syria, or the EU, and will do what we must.
Ilker - New York
This very biased article seems to imply that Turkey is moving due to the current unrest within Syria because the author chose to ignore the real reason behind the decision. Turkey has suffered two recent attacks by Syria; first a jet plane was shot down in international airspace, and now five civilians have died in Turkey due to Syrian cross-border attacks.
It is Turkey's right and duty to do what it takes to protect their borders and their citizens. As others have already commented, there is no relation between the conflict with Syria and the Cyprus issue.
Rabia - Michigan
Regardless of whether Turkey is justified in invading Syria, this article is full of bias that undermines its overall validity. First of all, the broad reference to "Turkey's unsavory track record of invasion and occupation" is unsubstantiated and prejudicial. Northern Cyprus is populated by Turks, and the Turkish government felt that military action was necessary to protect the Turks from escalating ethnic violence in the 70s.
More importantly, the Turkish faction has taken great strides towards reconciliation that Greek Cypriots have refused. In the 2004 UN proposal to resolve the Cyprus dispute, 76 per cent of Greeks voted no whereas over 65 per cent of Turks were in favour of this reconciliatory plan. Clearly, Turkey is in favour of resolving the Cyprus dispute, but lacks Greek counterparts to similarly strive for a solution.
Oya - St. Louis
This simplistic Turkey bashing is totally unwarranted. Turkey has been exemplary in its contribution to world peace in the past century, following the principle of "peace at home, peace in the world". Turkey's intervening in Cyprus to protect the Turkish minority there was justified with international agreements, as it is one of the three guarantor countries of Cyprus (along with England and Greece).
Turkey was also meausured and responsible in its reaction when more than 10 Turkish civilians were killed in the "Mavi Marmara" incident. As for Syria, it tried to urge the Syrian government into a peaceful transition to democracy from a minority-dominated dictatorship. Yet, Syrian government chose to supress legitimate demands of the majority of its population with violence.
Furthermore, Syrian forces killed several Turkish citizens and shot down a Turkish plane in international waters. Yet, Turkey was responsible in its reaction again. It did not attact or invade Syria. It only responded when its borders were violated.
Melissa - USA
