Turkey’s rising influence in Syria an unstated concern for Athens

He has not yet assumed office, but every statement by Donald Trump already holds special news value. It is, therefore, no surprise that the remarks of the future US president on the situation in Syria made headlines: "Nobody knows who will rule in the final," Trump declared at his first press conference after his November election victory, adding, "I believe it's Turkey." His words were followed by flattering comments about Turkey and its vainglorious president. "He's a very smart guy. They've wanted it for thousands of years, and he got it," Trump said in his signature style. 

Trump's remarks conveyed what many analysts already believe, albeit with an attention-grabbing bluntness. As the conflict reshuffles Syria's power dynamics following the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad, and the exclusion of his principal backers - Iran and Russia - the cards are being dealt anew....