Ayn al-Arab is a city in Syria that is almost on the border with Turkey. The city is predominantly Kurdish with large Sunni and Christian populations. As I write this, the city is also under siege by ISIS. One can only imagine what will happen to all those who ISIS considers infidels should the city fall. You know the old ISIS saying: "Another day, another few thousand beheadings."
Here is a good example of a place where American power could make a difference. We know that the attackers are from ISIS. We also know that the defenders are in danger of being slaughtered should the city fall. We even know that the Kurds who control the city now are not jihadists and have no allegiance to the Assad regime. In short, it is the perfect place to begin the American air attack against ISIS in Syria. Of course, the problem is that there are no bases nearby that could be used by American planes. There is a major air base in Turkey less than 200 miles away which would be perfect to use to launch attacks on ISIS. The problem, of course, is that the Turkish government has refused to allow any such attacks to be launched from its territory. That leaves aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean or the Persian Gulf as the only viable launch platforms. The Persian Gulf is really too far from this site to permit planes to hit this target. Right now, there are no American carriers nearby in the Med which could be used either. As a result, the Turkish refusal will likely result in the fall of Ayn al-Arab and the death of thousands or tens of thousands.
It seems to me that now would be the time for president Obama to call the Turkish leader and pressure him to change the Turkish policy. Of course, that would require Obama to focus on fighting ISIS rather than on giving assurances about what he will not be doing.
Here is a good example of a place where American power could make a difference. We know that the attackers are from ISIS. We also know that the defenders are in danger of being slaughtered should the city fall. We even know that the Kurds who control the city now are not jihadists and have no allegiance to the Assad regime. In short, it is the perfect place to begin the American air attack against ISIS in Syria. Of course, the problem is that there are no bases nearby that could be used by American planes. There is a major air base in Turkey less than 200 miles away which would be perfect to use to launch attacks on ISIS. The problem, of course, is that the Turkish government has refused to allow any such attacks to be launched from its territory. That leaves aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean or the Persian Gulf as the only viable launch platforms. The Persian Gulf is really too far from this site to permit planes to hit this target. Right now, there are no American carriers nearby in the Med which could be used either. As a result, the Turkish refusal will likely result in the fall of Ayn al-Arab and the death of thousands or tens of thousands.
It seems to me that now would be the time for president Obama to call the Turkish leader and pressure him to change the Turkish policy. Of course, that would require Obama to focus on fighting ISIS rather than on giving assurances about what he will not be doing.
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