Peace in the Middle East

The Middle East cannot afford to have a new armed conflict of the magnitude that a confrontation between Syria and Turkey could bring about.

That is why the region is witnessing a flurry of diplomatic efforts that aim to cool the tempers of the generals.

Turkey and Syria could establish their own joint committees on several fronts to deal with all their disputes, be it on the water sharing of the Euphrates or the Kurdish Labor Party, or the military cooperation between Turkey and Israel that Damascus suspects is directed against it.

Military cooperation between countries must take into consideration the fears of others. Once the two sides put in place a permanent system for conflict resolution, their problems are bound to be contained if not settled altogether.

All countries in the region should contribute to containing the conflict and easing the tension. Others, who maintain good relations with one or other party, should also intervene. After all, a clash between Turkey and Syria will result in resentment and sentiments that very few can afford to witness.

-- The Jordan Times, Amman