After the decision of the Crusader invaders to withdraw, Turkey's insistence on staying in Afghanistan remains hot on the agenda. Stating that Turkey is in a prestigious position in the eyes of the Afghan people, experts also draw attention to the risks that may arise for Turkey in the event of a confrontation with the Taliban.
USA AND NATO WITHDRAWAL, TURKEY IS SUGGESTED TO STAY
One of the important topics of the meeting between US President Joe Biden and President Erdoğan at the NATO Summit on June 14 was the issue of Afghanistan. It remains unclear how the balance of power between the Taliban and the central government will be after the invading armies begin to withdraw from Afghanistan. On the other hand, despite the US and NATO's decision to withdraw, Turkey insists on staying in Afghanistan.
DOES THE USA WANT TO FIGHT TURKEY WITH THE TALIBAN?
The insistence of the Turkish government, which is considering keeping the control of Kabul International Airport, is also welcomed by the US administration. So why does the USA, which tries to set traps at every opportunity, want to pave the way for Turkey in Afghanistan? Does the USA, which armed the YPG terrorist organization in Syria and made it fight against Turkey, now want to make Turkey fight the Taliban?
WE NEED TO MAKE A VERY WELL PLANNING TO NOT COME AGAINST THE TALIBAN.
Southeast Asia Center for Strategic Studies (GASAM) "Should Turkish soldiers be in Kabul?" Retired Colonel Kadir Erkan, Afghan strategist Yunus Tughra and journalist Asım Balcı made important evaluations on the subject in his panel titled.
In the panel moderated by GASAM President Cemal Demir, the possible gains and risks of Turkey's presence in Afghanistan were discussed in detail. Experts expressed a common opinion that if Turkey stays in Afghanistan, the Turkish Armed Forces should make their plans very well in order not to confront the Taliban.
WHAT IS THE TALIBAN SAYING?
Suheyl Şahin, the spokesperson of the Taliban in Doha, the capital of Qatar, "Turkey has been part of NATO forces for the past 20 years, so they must withdraw from Afghanistan in accordance with the agreement we signed with the US on February 29, 2020. Apart from that, Turkey is a large Islamic country. Afghanistan has historical relations with it. We want to have close and good relations when a new Islamic government is established in the country in the future," he said.
One of the important topics of the meeting between US President Joe Biden and President Erdoğan at the NATO Summit on June 14 was the issue of Afghanistan. It remains unclear how the balance of power between the Taliban and the central government will be after the invading armies begin to withdraw from Afghanistan. On the other hand, despite the US and NATO's decision to withdraw, Turkey insists on staying in Afghanistan. The insistence of the Turkish government, which is considering keeping the control of Kabul International Airport, is also welcomed by the US administration. So why does the USA, which tries to set traps at every opportunity, want to pave the way for Turkey in Afghanistan? Does the USA, which armed the YPG terrorist organization in Syria and made it fight against Turkey, now want to make Turkey fight the Taliban?
“THEY MUST BE CONSIDERED THAT THE RISK WILL BE HIGH”
Retired Colonel Kadir Erkan said that Turkey's interest in Afghanistan is not for imperialist purposes, but for humanitarian reasons.
"Turkey has never had an imperialist goal in Afghanistan. Our state and military tradition is not based on gaining benefits through other countries. The country and people of Afghanistan need help. The Kabul region, where Turkey wants to be located, is in a better and safer situation compared to other regions. The Afghan National Army controls Kabul in all areas. But it is also possible that the Taliban, which has taken over the rural areas of Afghanistan, will attack Kabul. It should not be overlooked that the risk will be high. The activities of diplomatic representations cannot be carried out in a country where the airline is closed. In order for Afghanistan not to be closed to the outside world, Kabul Airport should be continued to be operated with international initiatives. Turkey's initiatives are also very important in this respect," he said.
“WE WANTED PEACE AND TRANQUILITY”
Afghan Strategist Yunus Tughra, who interpreted the issue from the perspective of the people of Afghanistan, "Turkey has a very high reputation in the eyes of the Afghan people. The Turkish army has never pointed a gun at the Afghan people. Although Turkey did not establish relations with the Taliban, the Turkish Armed Forces were never attacked by the Taliban. The presence of Turks in Afghanistan is beneficial for the Afghan people and state. Turkey has done constructive work in Afghanistan. But the situation in our country is getting worse and worse. Security is our biggest concern. In the last 30 years, we have not felt peace even for a day. We saw nothing but tears, terror and destruction," he said.
“TALIBAN WILL NOT LEAVE TURKEY ALONE”
Stating that Turkey's presence in Afghanistan is a necessary but risky situation, Tughra added following:
"The Taliban, which does not want foreign forces in Afghanistan, will not leave Turkey alone. Afghanistan is the power struggle of regional and international countries. When it comes to intelligence wars, Afghan people's love for Turkey may also be in the background. Damage to Turkish soldiers may damage the bonds of love between brotherly peoples. In order not to break the ties between peoples, steps should be taken by thinking, weighing and making very fine calculations. It is also important that; Turkey should not cooperate with any other country in Afghanistan. Afghan people do not like any country other than Turkey. There are tribes that do not adopt Pakistan."
TURKEY MUST STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT
Journalist Aslan Balcı, pointing out the importance of international support in Turkey's Afghanistan move, "In order for Turkey to stay in Afghanistan, first of all, it must try to get a resolution from the United Nations Security Council. Secondly, one should go to Kabul at the official invitation of the Afghan government and sit down with the Taliban and receive an invitation from them. Although we are respected in the eyes of the people, it is important to be able to get diplomatic confirmation to ensure our legitimacy," he said.
“IS USA PUSHING TURKEY ON FIRE?”
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Joe Biden agreed during their meeting at the NATO Summit that Turkey should play a leading role in ensuring the security of Kabul Airport.
"Erdogan sought support from the United States on certain issues to ensure the security of the airport, and Biden promised this support. The two leaders made clear commitments that Turkey should play a leading role in protecting Hamid Karzai International Airport, and we are currently working on how to achieve this," Sullivan said.