[A map] provides a graphic illustration of at least one possible motive for Turkey’s decision to intervene in Syria and try to wrest control from President Assad. There are reportedly two plans afoot to build pipelines transiting Syria [WE HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED THESE ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO] — one originates in Iran and the other originates in Qatar but terminates in Turkey. Given present circumstances, Syria is unlikely to look favorably on a deal that will enrich Turkey, and Turkey’s Erdogan, with Western encouragement, decided to make a play to seize more of Syrian territory and hopefully destabilize President Assad’s hold on power. It looks like Turkey has overplayed its hand.
BY LARRY JOHNSON