This is with reference to the article “Understanding Turkey’s stance” by Harun Yahya (Feb. 28). I fully agree with the views expressed by the writer.

Turkey is one of those few Muslim countries, which never comprises on its national and strategic interests. I feel that it was a “heroic” action taken out of necessity. Ankara’s policies toward the ongoing fight against the self-ascribed Islamic State (IS) should not be criticized. Every sovereign country has the right to choose whatever is in its interest.

If Ankara feels that it would be perilous for it to directly get involved in the Syrian conflict then its decision should be respected. Instead of leveling baseless accusations and undue criticism, Turkey should be appreciated for its humanitarian efforts by sheltering a large number of Syrian refugees. The best part about Turkey is that perhaps it is the only host country, where all stakeholders unanimously support government’s decision of taking in refugees from Syria. In a way, we could say that Turkey is playing a very important role in this fight by sheltering and taking care of helpless people uprooted from their homes. I appreciate the writer for raising important issues in his articles. The latest article has effectively removed doubts, if any, about the Turkish operation inside Syria.

Truth be told, this action made us feel proud of Turkey. Ankara’s approach toward the international community is based on mutual respect, which a rarity these days.

Above all, we should not ignore that as per international agreements the area where the tomb was located is recognized as a Turkish land. So, it would not be wrong to say that Turkish forces entered their own area to carry out the operation. Nobody should have any problem with that.

Muhammad Azlan

Riyadh