ISIL declares war on Turkey

The deadly Suruç attack that claimed the lives of 32 activist youngsters and wounded around 100 others is itself a declaration of war by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on Turkey.  Its magnitude, scope and method show us that the July 20 Suruç attack cannot be described as just a message conveyed by the extremist jihadists, but rather as a challenge against Turkey?s recent move to intensify its efforts to fight ISIL inside Turkey and Syria. 

Although this was not the first attack carried out by ISIL in Turkey, the Suruç bombing may well, unfortunately, come to be known as just a beginning of a new violent campaign. This was the first time that ISIL has sent a suicide bomber against a professionally crafted target, thus killing dozens.  

The attack took place in front of cameras and therefore could well be recorded and distributed - even immediately after the incident - thus reaching its propaganda objectives as well. In contrast with Iraq, Syria or elsewhere in the Middle East, the jihadists did not target a mosque or a religious site. Rather, it targeted activists gathered solidarity with Syrian Kurds. What is even more horrifying is the fact that there are dozens of such suicide bombers who have already infiltrated into Turkey recently. 

As for the cause and consequences of this attack, there are some important points to make. The first and most obvious cause is Turkey?s decision to step up its fight against ISIL, particularly over the last six weeks.

Apart from high-level talks with the United States that will likely bring about more active Turkish commitment in the international anti-ISIL fight, security precautions taken inside the country to eliminate some of the jihadist cells and logistics facilities may...