Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring in northeast Syria on 9 October, targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and seeking a border buffer zone.
What happened
Air strikes and artillery preceded a ground advance. Ankara described the YPG, the main SDF component, as linked to the PKK and therefore a security threat.
Why it mattered
The operation followed movement of US troops away from parts of the border, drawing criticism because the SDF had been Washington’s principal local partner against Islamic State.
Context and consequences
The fighting displaced civilians and prompted urgent US and Russian diplomacy, altering control along the frontier.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
