Turkish foreign minister made remarks in response to reports that Syrian forces will fight alongside YPG against Turkey. There are reports that the Syrian regime forces will fight alongside YPG terrorists in the border town.
Cavusoglu said "If so, there is no problem. However, if they are entering [Afrin] to protect YPG/PKK, nobody can stop the Turkish army," . This statement already emphasizes the possibility that Syrian government does not inform the Turkish government regarding its intension. But the severe conclusion would be, Syrian government intend to increase the possibility of fire exchanges in order to get political advantage.
We have earlier indicated that there is a possibility of collision between Syrian and Turkish forces since Syria would do its only viable option and play both sides at once. Having said this, everybody has the same approach that inlack of Russian support, Syria cannot act alone.
So what Russia wants then? Russia simply wants to make the area more complicated for all parties. Russia is aware of Turkish seriousness. Moreover, Russia is aware that Turkey intends to clean Menbij which is under control of YPG terrorist groups with US forces. So as much as the region gets complicated, US will lose its focus on Ukraine and East Europe matters where there is an going concern on North Korea, trade war with China and risk of losing ally; Turkey, in Middle East. US cannot focus on everywhere and Russia knows this. Therefore it is to Russian strategic benefit to make Middle East Region complicated but not peaceful.
Any fire exchange with Syrian forces would take Turkish forces into deeper regions in Syria. Turkey already knows that. However Turkey cannot tolerate US and YPG forces control the Syrian - Turkish border.
The latest US Foreign Secretary visit highlights the gap between Turkey and US. Everybody agreed on road map to solve the problem but noone stopped doing what is best for themselves.
It is getting inevitable for Turkey not to go into deeper into Syria. However that would not be the primary concern. Even Turkey gets there, to whom Turkey will leave the control of the area. There are no majot power to military capability to ensure the security.
Therefore, the remaining option is to stay there for a long time. Can Turkey do that? There is nothing others can stop Turkey militarily. Can Turkey opt that? Well it seems either government wants or not, Turkey is heading to that corner.
