Robert Olson is Professor of Middle East history and politics at the University of Kentucky (Emeritus). He is the author of ten books of various aspects of Middle East history and politics.He was distinguished Professor of the University of Kentucky.
Comment: Ankara can use the plight of refugees to discourage the emergence of Kurdish autonomous areas on its borders, while bolstering Erdogan's grip on the presidency, writes Robert Olson.
Comment: Ensuring Kurdish dependence on Ankara will give Turkey's leaders greater leverage to win big in the power vacuum at the end of the Syrian war, writes Robert Olson.
