Turkey slams US for continued support to YPG

Turkey's defense minister has criticized the United States for continuing its support to the YPG in northern Syria, recalling no success can be attained in the Middle East by ignoring Turkey's role and place.

"We can resolve the S-400 and F-35 problems with the U.S. one way or another. But we cannot go anywhere without solving the YPG problem. They argue that the YPG is not a terrorist [organization]. They are messing with our heads," Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told a group of journalists over the weekend.

The U.S. has long been lending political and military support to the YPG in the fight against ISIL despite Turkey's strong criticisms. Turkey designated the YPG as the Syrian wing of the PKK, therefore as a terrorist organization.

Akar recalled that many American scholars, members of civil society and former military personnel stress that the YPG is a terrorist organization, but the U.S. administration still continues to deliver weapons and military equipment to it.

"This is so wrong. We are a regional power with a global impact. The U.S. coordination with Turkey in the Middle East can bring success, meaning cooperation with Turkey and not with the YPG," he stated. The U.S. can't achieve anything by ignoring Turkey, Akar said, asking, "Therefore, you should choose your ally in a better way. Who is your ally?"

Turkey and the U.S. are NATO partners, but they differ when it comes to fighting ISIL in Syria. Plus, the U.S. sanctioned Turkey for the acquisition of the S-400 air defense systems from Russia and ended its participation in the F-35 joint fighter program. Washington warns of more sanctions if Turkey attempts to buy the second batch of the air defense systems or any other weapon from Russia.