FILE PHOTO: A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan's pledge to launch military operations soon to expand safe zones already set up across Turkey's southern borders has raised the stakes in his row with NATO partners over Finland and Sweden joining the alliance.
Analysts said Erdogan's surprise announcement on Monday reflected his belief that the West would not oppose such operations at a time when it needs Ankara's support for the Nordic countries' bid to join NATO.
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