Turkey’s Afrin Offensive can pitch Ankara against both Washington and Moscow

Source:Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis Date:25Jan2018

According to some Turkish analysts, the planned offensive is linked to domestic politics as the AKP is approaching a crucial election year. Many feel that Erdoğan is preparing to call for early presidential elections due in 2019. While economic problems and concerns about growing authoritarianism might harm AKP’s prospects, a perceived “military success” abroad can be presented as an achievement.