Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 30
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Russia's decision to use its armed forces abroad will change the balance of power in the Middle East, Fatih Ozbay, Turkish foreign policy expert, told Trend exclusively Sept. 30.
He said Russia, taking this decision, has sent a message to the world community that Moscow won't allow the repetition of the Libyan scenario in Syria.
"Syria is of particular importance for Russia, as this country accommodates Russian military bases and provides an access for Russia to the Mediterranean Sea," said Ozbay.
The expert believes that the Syrian crisis is a chance for Russia, which has been preparing to recover its lost positions in the Middle East, to actively intervene in the developments.
"Russia also openly makes it clear that it will not allow overthrowing Assad, who has close ties with Moscow," he said.
He said that Russia's decision makes it clear that Moscow is not against the fight against terror in Syria and if the West wants to conduct this struggle, Russia is ready to join it.
The expert said that previously, Turkey agreed to use the Incirlik air base against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization.
Ozbay does not exclude that Russia's decision to use the armed forces abroad is an answer to providing an opportunity to use the Incirlik military base of the coalition led by the US.
Russia's decision to use its armed forces abroad will force the US and Turkey to revise their policy in the region, said the expert.
Furthermore, Ozbay noted that Turkey is not able to oppose Russia's policy in the Middle East.
"Russia and Turkey have specific relations and if Ankara opposes its activities in the region, this will negatively affect the two countries' relations," he said.
The expert added that Ankara is concerned over Russia's activities in the region, since as distinct from Turkey Russia is against Assad's removal from power.
Following the visit to Russia, Turkish president said that the transitional government in Syria could be formed with participation of Bashar al-Assad, he said.
"This suggests that Moscow didn't approve the policy of Ankara against Bashar al-Assad," said the expert.
He also said that that the position of the international community to resolve the Syrian crisis is increasingly moving closer to the Russian position.
Today, Sept. 30, the Council of the Federation voted unanimously for the use of Russian forces abroad.
Previously, President Vladimir Putin addressed the lawmakers to get the corresponding permission.
The head of the Russian presidential administration Sergey Ivanov said that the issue concerns Syria.
He went on to add that the matter rests in solely the operation of the air forces, the use of troops on the ground is impossible.
Edited by CN
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Rufiz Hafizoglu is the head of Trend Agency's Arabic news service, follow him on Twitter: @rhafizoglu