General view of the refugee camp named "Container City" on the Turkish-Syrian border in Oncupinar in Kilis province, southern Turkey. REUTERS Photo
2,000 Syrians Held At The Border; Turkey Struggles To cope With Wave Of Refugees -- National Post/Reuters
ANKARA — Turkey has begun temporarily holding thousands of Syrians on the Syrian side of the border as it struggles to cope with a growing wave of refugees.
At least 2,000 people fleeing violence in Syria were prevented from entering Turkey overnight at one of several unofficial border crossings in the southern province of Hatay, a Turkish official and witnesses said.
“We have run out of space to house these people. We are working to make shelters and when these are completed we will allow these people across,” the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
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My Comment: I suspect that this is a move on the part of Turkey to garner international support for the establishment of refugee camps in Syria. It is common knowledge that Turkey wants to establish safe havens for refugees in Syria proper .... but to accomplish this Turkey would need to intervene with it's military directly into Syria sparking a possible military confrontation with the Syrian military. Not wanting to be perceived as an invader, Turkey wants international legitimacy to do so .... and is now increasing the pressure on the UN's Security Council to obtain it. My prediction .... if the refugee crisis escalates, Turkey will be getting it.
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