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Allying with Washington against a neighboring Islamic state "is new for Ankara." Previously, Turkey had close ties to Damascus. Western nations disapproved.
"Prime Minister ErdoÄŸan and his Foreign Minister Ahmet DavutoÄŸlu, are seen now by Islamists to be bedding with what they consider as 'the devil's instrument on earth,' namely America, in an effort to try and topple a regime in an Islamic country."
Both leaders may be staking their careers on it. So far, it cost them popular support. Some believe it also harms "Turkey dearly and at all levels." Concerns are raised about possible Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria and greater Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) power.
Erdogan firmly opposes what he considers threatening. He may react militarily if it emerges. Ankara made it bed and now has to sleep in it. It may end up more loser than winner.
On August 14, Mossad-connected DEBKAfile (DF) headlined "Syrian rebels armed with first T-62 tanks," saying:
Twenty Russian-made T-62s arrived from Libya. DF said Hillary Clinton authorized transferring them. Obama officials allegedly first agreed to supply FIM-92 anti-air Stinger missiles.
On August 12, insurgents claim they shot down a Syrian jet fighter. Damascus denied it. Asked about it at Monday's State Department press briefing, spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said she had no knowledge of what happened.
DF claims Ankara plans safe zones from five to 25 km inside Syria to its border. If true, full-scale war may follow.
DF rhetoric was more fanciful that realistic saying heavy weapons and safe zone protection "threaten to turn the tide of war against" Assad.
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