Syrian-Turkish Rapprochement

Syria and Turkey, which were at daggers drawn as recently as the 1990s, are rapidly moving towards greater integration. Most recently they've dropped visa requirements for their nationals traveling between the two countries. This is potentially a very important evolution. Josh Landis at Syria Comment examines some of the potential benefits and quotes several Turkish newspaper analyses.

One role Turkey has played, of course, is mediation between Syria and Israel. This article suggests that IDF Commander Gabi Ashkenazi feels that an opportunity has been missed for a Syrian-Israeli deal, one that could do a great deal to move Syria away from its Iranian alliance. Needless to say, the Turkish-Syrian rapprochement can potentially have a favorable impact on both the Israeli and Iranian relationships for Syria.