Syrian opposition deepens Turkish ties, awaits recognition from Arab league

In the wake of Saturday's pro-regime attacks against foreign missions in a number of Assad's strongholds, Ankara has shown the first signs that the Damascus' legitimacy may soon be put to the test by the Syrian National Council, meeting with the Syrian opposition while the council holds its breath for recognition from the Arab League. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with a group of Syrian National Council (SNC) members late on Sunday night in an urgent meeting, a development that came on the heels of Saturday's attacks against a number of foreign missions in Syria. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it was "significant" that the attacks targeted Turkish missions in "a more intensive and stronger fashion," and that the attacks coincided with the Arab League's decision to take away Syria's membership privileges in the international body. The ministry also noted that Turkey issued a note to Damascus through its envoy in Ankara, saying that "it is a matter of duty and honor" for Syria to protect foreign missions in its territory, and requesting that those responsible for the attacks be found and brought to justice. In the light of growing agitation between the league and the Syrian administration, the SNC is now waiting to be formally recognized by the Arab body in what is perceived to be a threshold decision that could give the green light to other countries, like Turkey, to follow suit and recognize the council.