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Turkey’s Syrian Dilemma

Turkey is struggling with a Syria policy that has served only to prolong the conflict, as Ankara finds itself at odds with Paris over both Mali and Syria, writes Semih Idiz.

Turkish soldiers patrol on the Turkish-Syrian border in Ceylanpinar, southern Sanliurfa province January 28, 2013. REUTERS/Osman Orsal (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) - RTR3D2ZA
Turkish soldiers patrol on the Turkish-Syrian border in Ceylanpinar, southern Sanliurfa province Jan. 28, 2013. — REUTERS/Osman Orsal

As the Syrian crisis rolls on with no apparent end in sight, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu have little left in their diplomatic pouch to put Ankara at the forefront of efforts to solve this seemingly intractable problem.

Their frustration is showing, too, as both continue to rail against the inactivity of the international community, and are unable to suggest anything new to end the deadlock. 

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