Writer and academic Haluk Gerger said Turkey has no problem with ISIS. "Turkey benefits in the Middle East whether ISIS exists or not", said Gerger, adding that ISIS was waging a proxy war against the Kurds on behalf of Turkey.

Gerger said that in the event of ISIS being finished off there was the possibility of an incursion or a buffer zone coming on the agenda.

Gerger said that in such an eventuality Turkey's dream of having a military presence in Syria/Rojava would be realised. Gerger warned those who say "Turkey has predicaments", saying: "There are contradictions, but Turkey has plans to overcome these."

Turkey will not play an active role in the "international coalition" against ISIS led by the US. According to the US State Department there are 38 countries involved in the alliance, but no Turkey.

However, reports have appeared in the mainstream press regarding preparations by the Turkish General Staff for the establishing of a "buffer zone" on the border of Rojava Kurdistan. These claims were corroborated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In that case does Turkey have a place in the US "struggle with ISIS" plan? And what are Turkey's plans?

Writer Haluk Gerger answered these questions, saying: "Turkey has no problem with ISIS. This is the point that must be dwelt upon." Gerger explained: "Turkey's Middle Eastern policy has two facets. Firstly, originating as an appendage of American strategy; secondly, its own special issue, the Kurdish question. It is not possible to understand Turkey's Middle Eastern policy without grasping these two points. The result created by being an appendage of American strategy is reflected in Turkey being influenced by the Sunni axis America has tried to create in the last period. This is the basis of Turkey's relations with opposition armed groups such as Al Nusra, Free Syrian Army or ISIS. But this does not explain it fully. We need to come on to the second dimension, the Kurdish question. US attacks on Iran and Syria have opened the way for Turkey, particularly on account of Rojava, to make a military intervention in Syria, which suits Turkey's Kurdish strategy. Establishing relations with opposition groups in Syria suited Turkey because the Syrian opposition was opposed to the Kurds, due to their being Arab nationalists. They were an element of pressure on the Kurds in Rojava as far as Turkey was concerned. ISIS and other groups waged and are waging a proxy war against the Kurds on Turkey's behalf, something Turkey could not do directly."

'Turkey is happy with the growing power of ISIS'

Gerger emphasised that Turkey is happy at the growing power of ISIS, saying: "Turkey has no problem with ISIS," adding: "The strengthening of ISIS puts pressure on the Shia-dominated Baghdad government, with which Turkey does not have good relations. It also makes things difficult for Iran and the Kurds. However, with the US change of gear and its 'ISIS intervention' plan Turkey is in a dilemma. For being an appendage of the US necessitates struggle with ISIS, whereas the Kurdish question does not." 

According to Gerger, the Turkish state has plans that will resolve this dilemma. 

Gerger said Turkey is happy to remain on the sidelines in the struggle with ISIS as regards ineffective air strikes, but, as the US puts on pressure, "it is aware that there is a need for a ground operation. It can say 'okay' to the US on air strikes, but knows that if it comes to a ground operation it will get the chance to gain a military presence in Syria, in Rojava. Turkey would be happy with this, and if it doesn't materialise, it has a plan B, which is to establish a buffer zone."

'A buffer zone is indirect participation in a ground operation'

Gerger added that a buffer zone would signify indirect participation in a ground operation, saying: "instead of going through the door they will have gone down the chimney."

Haluk Gerger stressed that Turkey has plans for the eventuality of ISIS remaining strong or being entirely dismantled. "From Turkey's perspective ISIS remaining a force is better, as it means continuing pressure on the Kurds. It means the Kurds will continue to need Turkey. If a ground operation occurs then it will establish a buffer zone. This would give Turkey a great advantage as regards the Kurdish question, since it would give them the opportunity to control the Kurds. So whatever happens, whether or not ISIS is wiped out, is not a problem for Turkey."

Gerger added: "whether these plans will work is another matter. But we should bear this in mind when people claim 'Turkey has predicaments'"