The “D-day” is approaching between Turkey and the US for the deployment of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system and the retaliatory sanctions that the White House has threatened to impose on Turkey. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday announced that Turkey will carry out a military operation east of the Euphrates river in Syria “in a couple of days.”  

Turkey’s military operation in the Syrian district of Afrin has completed its first stage, which was the seizure of the city of Afrin. After this difficult episode, Turkey is now taking its efforts into the political arena.

Turkey’s relations with Arab countries have reached a record low. Relations may of course deteriorate between countries from time to time when their national interests collide, but in the case of Turkey and Arab countries, there was no threat to the interests of either side.

Syrian government forces are tightening their grip around Ghouta. The elimination of opposition fighters in this enclave is important for the regime because it is the closest pocket of resistance to the capital.

Turkey’s military operation in the Syrian district of Afrin has now progressed unabated for more than 40 days.