Russia 's annexation of Crimea , and feared threat to invade Ukraine , has grabbed attention . The threat of a Syria-Turkey conflict aside , the impact on Turkey 's politics and people has been considerable . Comment: Much of northern Syria under control of jihadi groups , united in opposition to West - Tisdall . Syria is in the process of becoming a bridgehead to Europe for al Qaida , he adds .
Russia 's annexation of Crimea , and feared threat to invade Ukraine , has grabbed attention . Comment: Much of northern Syria under control of jihadi groups , united in opposition to West - Tisdall . Syria is in the process of becoming a bridgehead to Europe for al Qaida , he adds .