Turkey Strengthens ISIL, Undermines Safety of German Soldiers – Politician

Representative of the German party ‘Die Grünen’ Cem Özdemir accused the Ankara government of contributing to the expansion of Islamism.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Zeit, the politician claimed that with its attacks on the Kurds Turkey strengthens the Islamic State.

“The forces that most effectively fight against ISIL are now being weakened. And these are the Kurds,” Özdemir said.

When Turkey carried out its first airstrikes, it had still publicly recognized ISIL as its main enemy. But now, Turkish President Erdogan does not seem to take this fight seriously. His main goal is to weaken the Kurds and any kind of Kurdish entity across the border, the politician argued.

“It [Turkey] stands against the Kurdish side. But any weakening of Kurds indirectly leads to strengthening of the ISIL,” Özdemir claimed.

The situation in Turkey has deteriorated since July 20 after terrorist attacks carried out by the ISIL on the border with Syria and killings of policemen in the south-eastern provinces, for which the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) took responsibility.

Turkish Armed Forces attack ISIL positions in the north of Syria and those of the PKK in northern Iraq. In response, the PKK announced on its website that a truce with Ankara "has lost any sense."

If one wants to reduce the influx of refugees to Germany, one should encourage Turkey to make every effort to stop the ISIL, Özdemir said, adding that Turkey’s actions also undermine the safety of German soldiers.

“Turkey’s actions threaten the safety of German soldiers stationed in the region. It endangers the lives of those who actively fight against the Islamic State,” he said.