Turkish parliament approves invasion of LibyaAs shocking as it can be in the 21st century, Erdogan thinks he will be the leader of the new 'Ottoman Empire', starting with Libya. Erdogan is playing fast and loose with his intentions, the result of which is that all of the Maghreb (N. Africa) and other countries bordering Libya (Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Niger, Sudan) are on alert. Other countries in the Mediterranean are also on alert (Greece, Cyprus, Italy).
ANKARA - Turkey's parliament on Thursday authorized the government to send troops to Libya to support the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).
The mandate passed with the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its far-right ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the conservative Good Party voted against.
Turkish legislators approved the motion 325-184 at Thursday's emergency session; thus granting a one-year mandate for the deployment, despite concerns that Turkish forces could aggravate Libya's conflict further and destabilize the region.
The resolution gives the president the authority to "decide on the limit, extent, quantity and timing, to conduct, if necessary, military operation and intervention."
It comes after GNA requested Turkish military support in December.
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Comment: Libya's parliament yesterday supported the Libyan Tribes council and voted to rescind the Serraj govt's invitation to Turkey, voted to prosecute al-Sarraj for high treason, and voted to sever diplomatic ties with Turkey.
This sure escalated quickly. There are indeed Egyptian forces in the area, conducting 'exercises' since yesterday, 4th January. It could lead to a major clash as both Egypt and Turkey have the largest militaries in the Middle East.
Latest report today is that Turkish troops are en route...
While the world is focused on events on the other side of the Middle East, Erdogan apparently smells an opportunity to profit from the chaos.
There could, however, be more to this than meets the eye: