Erdogan and Putin

The tensions between Turkey and Russia are peaking. And this is an extremely worrisome development. In the case of Turkey, the Russian support to the Assad regime in Syria and the recent progression of Syrian Kurdish fighters, who are getting closer to the border are North of Aleppo are both seen as a matter of acute national interest. Regarding Russia, the destabilising of President Erdogan´s political power is a matter of retaliation – and revenge is deeply important in the political traits that define the Russian nationalistic soul – as well as a major chance to undermine the NATO alliance. In such circumstances, the stakes are very high for both sides. And the escalation seems unavoidable, with an incredible array of dramatic consequences. More so because the leaders of each side have an immense political ego. They are more inclined to fall whilst fighting than to accept compromise. And that´s the best recipe for a greater tragedy in the region and beyond.