Like all other parties involved, Russia has its own strategic interests in the region, but it does not mean that the government's northern ally should only be viewed only in a negative light. According to a former NATO representative, Western countries should give up their traditional thinking, according to which every Kremlin decision poses a "terrible threat" to the world.
Moscow has a coordinated plan to combat the jihadists, and it is clear that ending the war is impossible without Russia's participation, Kujat stated.
"There will be no peace in the region without Russia," the general told Huffington Post.
The corridor between Aleppo and Turkey being fought for by Assad's army ultimately runs through areas under the control of the Kurds, who have achieved significant success in the fight against terrorists. However, Turkey is not going to stop with the bombing of these areas and is willing to continue its operation against Kurdish forces, which it views as its worst enemies. In addition, Ankara is planning to send ground troops to Syria than may undermine all efforts to resolve the crisis.
"The Turkish intervention has the potential to transform the Syrian conflict into a global catastrophe," Kujat concluded.