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Debate over Syrian refugees gathers steam in Turkey

Young Syrians celebrating New Year’s Eve in public Istanbul squares ignited false claims that Syrians are enjoying life in Turkey while Turkish soldiers die for their country.
A general view of Nizip refugee camp, near the Turkish-Syrian border in Gaziantep province, Turkey, November 30, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC137324E500

Boisterous celebrations by Syrians on New Year’s Eve in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, where the Syrian flag and Free Syrian Army (FSA) banners were waved amidst anti-Assad chants, has reignited the heated debate in Turkey over Syrian refugees.

Many are claiming Syrian youngsters are enjoying a good time in Turkey instead of traveling to Syria — “where Turkish soldiers are fighting and dying” — to liberate their country from a tyrant.

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