The Hill News

As Prime Minister Erdogan celebrates a convincing third consecutive election and a decade of economic growth and activist foreign policy, the Arab Spring unexpectedly threatens to spoil the party, particularly the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Should the crisis, and its serious potential for spillover, continued unabated, Turkey - with international assistance - must create a buffer zone - even extending into Syrian territory if necessary - to serve as a safe haven for innocent civilians. U.N. authorization must accompany such action and address mounting “atrocities” and “savagery,” as noted by Erdogan, who was originally reluctant to condemn the violence. 

Syria’s geo-political complexity crisis seriously complicates replication of UNSC resolution 1973 authorizing use of force in Libya. A more cautious approach is required which protects innocent civilians while diminishing the potential for further spillover. The Syrian crisis! remains the Arab Spring's greatest challenge yet.

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