Erdogan’s Syrian Blunder Could Spark Fresh Refugee Crisis

However, Russia's attack has compromised Erdogan's attempt to portray Turkey as a regional power. In addition, Arab countries have joined the US policy in Syria and have left Erdogan out in the cold.

In this situation, Turkey has called for help from its allies in NATO, a relationship that has become increasingly troubled since Erdogan became president. Erdogan's miscalculations could mark the end of his foreign policy adventurism and has the potential to create another refugee crisis in Europe.

After Turkey requested an immediate meeting for consultation over the situation in Syria, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced a meeting for Article 4 consultations. Under Article 4, any NATO ally can request consultations whenever their territorial integrity or security is threatened.

Following the meeting, Stoltenberg merely offered condolences and urged Russia and Syria to stop its operations. "I call on them to stop their offensive. To respect international law. And to back UN efforts for a peaceful solution," he said during a press conference.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg . Photo: EPA-EFE/HEDAYATULLAH AMID

NATO's answer was expected, as the alliance is not interested in risking a direct military confrontation with Russia. Vladimir Putin is a staunch supporter of the Assad regime, so any confrontation with Assad could translate into direct confrontation with Russia.

Despite NATO calls for to stop military operations in Idlib, Turkey has intensified its operations by launching a major offensive, Operation Spring Shield, attacking several Syrian army positions and shooting down two Syrian fighter jets.

This offensive was then halted as a result of a ceasefire agreement forged in Moscow between Erdogan...