When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

blog

After Syrian Shelling, Turkey Continues Retaliation And Weighs Troop Action

HURRIYET, RADIKAL (Turkey), AL JAZEERA(Qatar)

Worldcrunch

ANKARA - Turkish artillery has continued to target Syria for a second straight day, in retaliation for the shelling of a Turkish town that killed five people.

Wednesday’s deadly mortar fire heightened tensions as it marked the first time that Turkish citizens have been killed as a result of the 18-month war in neighboring Syria. It is also the first time that Ankara has fired into Syria.

While Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey had resumed artillery shelling of Syria, Turkey’s Parliament debated a bill Thursday to authorize the military to launch cross border operations in Syria, according to the Istanbul daily Hurriyet.

The motion to be voted on at Parliament would grant "a one-year-long permission to make the necessary arrangements for sending the Turkish Armed Forces to foreign countries" in light of the fact that the conflict in Syria "has reached a stage that poses serious threats and risks to our national security. Therefore, the need has developed to act rapidly and to take the necessary precautions against additional risks and threats that may be directed against our country."

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is expected to vote against the motion following a group meeting in the early hours Thursday, according to Radikal newspaper.

The AKP Deputy Chairman Ömer Çelik has said the mandate is about the sovereignty rights of the Turkish Republic and does not mean declaring war.

Ibrahim Kalin, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Erdogan, says Turkey has no interest in a war with Syria, but it will continue to protect its borders, Hurriyet reported.

The White House and Pentagon have condemned Syria for the shelling. NATO continues to stand by its member Turkey, but has proposed no immediate action.


You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

Sign up to our free daily newsletter.

Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest