US House passes bipartisan bill to impose sanctions against Turkey

The United States House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill in favour of the US imposing military and financial sanctions against Turkey along with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 29. The US lawmakers passed the bill 403 to 16 indicating that Congress will oppose the policies put forth by the Turkish President to slaughter the Syrian Kurdish forces. Recently, President Erdogan had launched a military offensive in northeastern Syria. Even though the fighting has reportedly stopped after the peace truce between the US and Turkey, members of Congress believe that the violence which was unleashed during the 5-day offensive still reverberates the region. 

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Framework for sanctions

The Bill was introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen along with Lindsay Graham on October 9 including the framework for sanctions against Turkey. Hollen believed that the sanctions will have immediate and far-reaching consequences for President Erdogan along with the Turkish military forces. Graham also said that the mess has been created by Turkish President himself and, therefore, he bears the responsibility to clear things out. The passing of the Bill also indicates that the US will stand by the Kurdish forces along with the Syrian Democratic Forces who helped to destroy the Islamic State. The Bill not only puts sanctions on Turkish forces and the government but also prohibits the US Military Assistance in the country. 

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Operation Spring Armed Forces

According to President Erdogan, the goal of Operation Spring Armed Forces is to eliminate the “terrorist corridor”, the southern border of Turkey to re-establish peace and security. Moreover, this military operation after the American troops were dislocated from north-east Syria, will also help in eliminating the “threat of terrorism” directed at his country. A few hours before President Erdogan announced the launch of the military operation, the President of United States, Donald Trump took to Twitter to declare that US involvement in middle-east was the “worst decision ever” made in history. Furthermore, going into the disputed area has “endless wars” and the ”slow and careful” retraction of the US troops from Syria has at least ended the wars for his country. However, Donald Trump's decision has also been heavily criticized by other US leaders as the Syrian Kurds had supported America in their fight against IS militants.

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(With inputs from agencies)