"Turkey's Syrian Conundrum
Turkey's secular democracy is increasingly establishing itself as a fulcrum for East-West relations, notably as a bridge to Iran and Syria. Its pending application to join the European Union is seen by some to be a powerful opportunity for better Middle East relations, enriching the possibilities of a more effective and substantial EU foreign policy. Others are uncomfortable with a perceived cultural misfit and there is a fear of Turkey's neighbors as the main source of Europe's security concerns."
More:Azeem Ibrahim: Turkey's Syrian Conundrum