Turkey's slow but certain transition from an independent and stabilizing force in the Middle East to a puppet for Iran is well documented. Syria's troubles have thus put Turkey in an awkward position. Careful not to upset Iran and Hezbollah (also strong supporters of Syria and the Assad regime), Turkey announces that it may prepare its forces only to act as a buffer should the inevitable Syrian civil war flood the region. With Iran's reins firmly around Turkey's neck, however, it will talk only as tough as its handler will allow. Syria presents Turkey with a golden opportunity to play peace-maker and world leader in a real Middle East peace process. Sadly, going no further than the Arab League, Turkey refuses to commit troops or resources to help topple Assad. Turkey is the only country outside Russia and Iran (and no one can expect either nation to step in in any meaningful way), that has a way to ease tensions. Unfortunately, in its path towards the dark side, it lacks the will.
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