The death toll of Tuesday’s attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport now stands at 41, and the Turkish government says Daesh (ISIS) is the primary suspect. Turkey began conducting airstrikes against the group back in 2015, and continues to do so, but their arguably greater focus on the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and their Syrian ally the People’s Protection Units (YPG)-which continues to be a primary enemy of Daesh-has prompted much criticism regarding
Some observers say Turkey is not doing enough to fight Daesh, instead focusing on Kurdish groups like the PKK and YPG. In extreme cases, some go as far as to say Turkey is supporting Daesh, although no compelling evidence of direct support exists. With the Istanbul airport bombing, such theories are again coming to the forefront.
Following the attack, some took to Twitter to allege Turkey brought the attack on itself.
Cartoon on ISIS & Turkey pic.twitter.com/PvhNrqgvnu
— Hayder al-Khoei (@Hayder_alKhoei) June 29, 2016
ISIS is usually careful not to claim credit for attacks in Turkey because the group doesn't want to come across as ungrateful to its host.
— Max Abrahms (@MaxAbrahms) June 29, 2016
Such theories are nothing new, as various Kurdish outlets have called Turkey a Daesh ally since at least 2015.
But no evidence exists to the hyperbolic claims. A more mainstream opinion is that Turkey has not done enough to fight Daesh, instead focusing on Kurdish groups. Some more prominent news outlets have reported on this, including The Guardian which accused Turkey of “blindness” towards Daesh in an article today.
Turkey remains a member of the US-led anti-Daesh coalition. But until Daesh is defeated, such theories-and attacks-may continue.
AL
