Turkey-Russia Pact Threatens Western Interests in the Middle East
by Con Coughlin
July 25, 2016 at 5:00 am
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/8538/turkey-russia-pact In recent months the Kremlin has hinted that keeping Assad in power is not its primary concern. Rather its main objective in Syria is to keep its strategically-important bases in the country.
This has led to suggestions that, in return for building closer relations with Turkey, Moscow might be prepared to do a deal whereby Assad is removed from power and Russia's military interests in the country are safeguarded.
If that outcome could be achieved, then Russia and Turkey would be able to forge a powerful partnership, one that would pose a serious threat to Western interests in the Middle East and beyond.