"The only thing we expect from our US ally is to support Turkey with no ifs or buts," the prime minister said on February 20. "If 28 Turkish lives have been claimed through a terrorist attack we can only expect them to say any threat against Turkey is a threat against them."
The United States does not view the YPG or the Democratic Union Party (PYD) as terrorist organizations. Moreover, the Kurds have proved to be one of Washington's key allies in its anti-Daesh efforts in Iraq and Syria.
"The United States did not offer a direct response to the 'either we or the Democratic Union Party' ultimatum, which Turkish authorities delivered to Washington," Korutürk noted. "What was the point of asking a question that brought Turkey into line with the PYD? I am absolutely sure that the Turkish leadership knew how America would react to this ultimatum."
Davutoglu remark's, according to the diplomat, were a "major miscalculation" for Ankara.
The operation would ostensibly be aimed at tackling Daesh or assisting the refugees, but many have pointed out that Ankara and Riyadh would likely be focused on helping radical groups that are fighting to overthrow Syria's legitimate president.
"Meanwhile, Turkey is constantly threatening everyone, although there are no grounds for [such behavior]," which takes a toll on Ankara's international standing, he added. The country is increasingly viewed as "unstable and unreliable."
Korutürk believes that Ankara should drastically reconsider its policy on Syria, which has turned out to be "flawed from start to finish."
"Did we have to deal with the PYD or Kurdish militia or the threat of a Kurdish state emerging in northern Syria 3 – 3.5 years ago? These challenges have appeared due to Turkey's flawed policies with regard to Syria," he noted.
