Turkey planning possible buffer zone on Syrian soil

Gradually losing hope in the situation in Syria, Ankara is distancing itself from Syrian President Bashar Assad. The scenario that Ankara fears most is that the clashes expand to Aleppo and Damascus, triggering an even bloodier crackdown by Assad and possibly an Alawite-Sunni civil war. This in turn could send thousands of Sunnis to flee to Turkey, as compared to hundreds of refugees now. "If chaos starts, then we will have to set up a security zone or a buffer zone inside Syrian territory," said one anonymous security official. Media reports of plans for such a zone earlier this month led to denials, but recent meetings in Ankara have reportedly discussed setting up a zone. "Military and civilian meetings about the buffer zone and other measures to be taken have increased in recent days," said the official. "Add to that Ankara calling its ambassadors serving in the Middle East back for a meeting. The pressure is building." But such a zone would be risky, as it could upset regional balances.