Tensions between Turkey and Syria rise over shooting down of Turkish military jet . Fawaz Gerges says just one spark could ignite a fire between Ankara and Damascus . Turkey establishing `` safe zone '' that hinders Syria 's ability to move troops , Gerges says . The Syrian government is trying to de-escalate the crisis by saying it did not know it was Turkish , and was merely defending its territory and not acting aggressively . Score: 6 Syrian is sending message : we have capability and will to oppose intervention .
Tensions between Turkey and Syria rise over shooting down of Turkish military jet . Fawaz Gerges says just one spark could ignite a fire between Ankara and Damascus . Turkey establishing `` safe zone '' that hinders Syria 's ability to move troops , Gerges says . Score: 6 Syrian is sending message : we have capability and will to oppose intervention .