A traffic policeman recruited from the Free Syrian Army at the Afrin city center in Syria. Over the last two years, Turkey and an alliance of Syrian rebels it supports have taken control of 1,500 square miles in Syria's northwest. (Umar Farooq / For The Times)
L.A. Times: Turkey puts down roots in a corner of war-torn Syria
This pocket of northwestern Syria is starting to look a lot like neighboring Turkey.
Many buildings bear signs in Turkish in addition to Arabic. Portraits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan adorn public schools, where students learn Turkish as a second language instead of English or French. Three new hospitals built by Turkey are run by Turkish administrators and fly the Turkish flag.
Over the last two years, Turkey and an alliance of Syrian rebels it supports have taken control of 1,500 square miles here, driving out both Islamic State militants and Kurdish militias fighting the Syrian government.
After years of civil war, the local Syrian population has welcomed the takeover for the measure of stability it has brought. But some also worry that the area will permanently lose its Syrian character and in effect become a Turkish colony.
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WNU Editor: I do not see Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan giving up his gains in Syria that easily.
