Syrian border shenanigans have raised tensions with Turkey:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the reported Syrian troops movements were “very worrisome”.
She said it could increase the risk of a border clash with Turkey and worsen the plight of refugees.
So if Turkey — a NATO ally — comes to blows with Syria, which “empire” does it serve? The Ottoman? Or is it possible that another Arab oligarchy is simply collapsing?
While the country’s economy was in trouble even before the present wave of demonstrations started three months ago, Syria’s economic difficulties have been compounded by the crisis, and observers believe that even if the regime is able to survive the current political turmoil, it will continue to be threatened by the economic crisis.
Remember, the Syrians themselves are actors in the crisis. Legislation to disestablish the Ba’ath Party has been drafted and posted online. Syrians may yet free themselves, and I hope they do.
