Turkey is one of the main supporters of rebels fighting to overthrow Assad, and hosts more than 2.7 million Syrian refugees. “Could Syria carry Assad in the long-term? Turkey, which is battling a Kurdish insurgency, is concerned about the growing power of Syrian Kurdish forces across the border and opposed to any moves toward Kurdish autonomy or independence. “In the six months ahead of us, we shall be playing a more active role,” Yildirim said. “They have no request for Incirlik,” Yildirim said.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 20, 2016 12:11 UTC