The Unites States previous & current administrations have been misjudging the situation in Syria for almost a decade - with the consequences being more & more visible in recent years, especially since the focus was shifted on the region when the refugees started to move West ....
 

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The role of the Turkish side is kind of 'shadowy' - nobody really knows what Erduan is up to. In addition the U.S.A. is now quite surprised to see China enter the conflict. Elite troops, just like Moscow sent in:
 

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At the beginning of 2016 the situation in Syria has a potential to either lead to a world-wide alliance against terror - or blow this planet apart in World War III.