THE GRAND GAME OVER SYRIA: POWER, PROFIT, AND EMPIRE

In my view, Erdoğan and Trump have struck a silent understanding to allow Israel to seize as much Syrian territory as possible. Erdoğan, driven by an insatiable desire to cling to power and enrich himself, will crush any opposition that threatens his throne — and Trump, following the long tradition of U.S. and CIA interference, will gladly enable it. Erdoğan behaves as though he owns Turkey, maintaining control through fear and repression, keeping the population in a state of servitude. Corruption has long plagued Turkey’s leadership, with successive rulers serving U.S. interests in exchange for financial and political favors. Now, Erdoğan’s latest obsession is grooming his son as his successor — a disastrously shortsighted plan, given that his son lacks the intellect and depth to navigate the storm that lies ahead.