Introduction

The significance of Kobani and Qamishli for Turkey is rooted in a combination of security concerns, territorial ambitions, and the broader geopolitical context in the region. Here are the key factors:

Security Concerns

PKK Connection: Turkey views the Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. This connection fuels Turkey’s desire to eliminate Kurdish military presence near its borders to prevent any potential support for PKK activities within Turkey itself.

Buffer Zone: Turkey aims to establish a buffer zone along its southern border to protect against what it perceives as terrorist threats. Control over Kobani and Qamishli would help Turkey create this zone, reducing the influence of Kurdish forces and enhancing its national security.

Territorial Ambitions

Control of Kurdish Areas: By targeting Kobani and Qamishli, Turkey seeks to assert control over predominantly Kurdish regions in northern Syria. This aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy of diminishing Kurdish autonomy and influence in the area, especially following the collapse of the Assad regime, which has created a power vacuum that Ankara aims to fill.

Historical Significance: Kobani holds significant historical and symbolic value for Kurds, having been a focal point in their resistance against ISIS. For Turkey, undermining this symbol can weaken Kurdish identity and aspirations for autonomy in Syria.

Geopolitical Context

Exploiting Instability: The ongoing instability in Syria provides Turkey with an opportunity to act against Kurdish forces under the guise of combating terrorism. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has leveraged this situation to justify military operations aimed at securing Turkish interests while portraying them as necessary for national security.

International Relations: Turkey’s actions in Kobani and Qamishli also reflect its complex relationships with other regional powers and NATO allies. While it seeks to maintain good relations with the United States, which has supported Kurdish forces against ISIS, Turkey’s aggressive stance complicates these dynamics and raises concerns about potential confrontations with US-backed groups.

Conclusion

Kobani and Qamishli are significant for Turkey due to their strategic location, the perceived threat from Kurdish forces linked to the PKK, and Turkey’s broader goals of establishing control over northern Syria while addressing its national security concerns.

Please carefully review the geographical map. It’s evident Kurdish area is almost 70 % the size of Syria and Turkey has its eye for occupation in the entire region by were Kurds are settled.