The Middle East situation seems to have taken yet another ugly turn. According to Turkey, it will let refugees into Europe after its 33 troops are killed in Syria.

That the Syria conundrum refuses to die down is a fact. An embittered Turkey, in other words, has clearly issued an ultimatum to Europe in particular. Ankara, in my view, has only one option to effectively deal with the situation. Russia, which has been backing the Bashar al-Assad government from the day one can play a meaningful role towards easing the situation. Turkey therefore needs to successfully persuade Russia about its narrative which has been hotly contested by both Russia and Syria. There needs to be a dialogue between Syria, Turkey and Russia. All of them must revisit their position in the greater interest of peace in the region and beyond.