The escalation of tensions with Moscow could not only result in the implemenation of economic sanctions upon Ankara, but also in negative consequences for its role in the whole Middle East region, reporter Thomas Seibert wrote for Der Tagesspiegel.
“Not only are Russo-Turkish relations laid on the line, including gas supplies from Russia and plans of Turkey to create a buffer zone in Syria. Erdogan steps up with an idea of ‘renovated Turkey’” that as a substantive regional power pursues its own interests in the Middle East,” Seibert claimed.
“However, in reality the state of affairs is different. Erdogan can hardly undertake anything to hamper Russia in Syria,” Seibert argued.
Semih Idiz, a columnist for Hürriyet newspaper, doesn’t rule out that in the developed situation the supporters of Turkey in the north of Syria would come under intensified fire attacks by Russian Aerospace Forces. He also added that “poking the ‘Russian Bear’ comes at a cost.”
“Erdogan’s thesis that Turkey is a substantive regional power in the Middle East has shaken,” the German reporter pointed out.
"It’s doubtful that this [claim] will make a great impression on Moscow,” Seibert concluded.