National Security

Turkey expected to sit out Raqqa offensive

By Jamie McIntyre

Published March 15, 2017 5:21pm ET

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Turkey expected to sit out Raqqa offensive — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is adamantly opposed to U.S. plans to back Kurdish fighters. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, File) | Khalid Mohammed

The United States is preparing to retake the Islamic State stronghold in Raqqa, Syria, without the participation of Turkey, a NATO ally, and a key partner in the counter-Islamic State fight.

While the U.S. is not ruling out a future role for Turkey, discussions with Ankara have continued for months without producing any agreement that would include Turkish forces in the coming offensive.

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Department of Defense (Department of War) ISIS Jamie McIntyre John McCain Minusextra Syria Terrorism Turkey