THO Teleconference Offers Update On Operation Olive Branch

THO Teleconference Offers Update on Operation Olive Branch A former U.S. ambassador to Syria and a D.C.-based expert discussed the political and military elements of Turkey’s operation in Afrin On March 20, THO hosted a teleconference on “Turkey’s ‘Operation Olive Branch’: An Update on the Political and Military Situation.” The teleconference was moderated by THO Executive Director Yenal Kucuker and featured the following speakers: •H.E. Amb. (Ret.) Robert S. Ford – Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria (2011-2014) •Oubai Shahbandar – International Security Program Fellow at New America and Defense Analyst for TRT World Osama Abu Zaid, a former spokesperson for the Free Syrian Army, was expected to join the teleconference but could not do so due to technical difficulties.