Conflict between Turkey and Syria rise over shutting down of Turkish military jet . Fawaz Gerges says just one spark could ignite a fire between Turkey and Damascus . Erdogan 's announcement signals a subtle and important shift in Ankara 's response to the Syrian crisis , in terms not only of political , economic and psychological pressure on President Bashar al-Assad , but also in creating this de facto safe zone that could in theory be enlarged into a base to provide strategic depth for rebels and allow more defectors to enter . Turkey establishing ` ` safe zone '' that limits Syria 's ability to move troops , he says . Gerges : Syrian is sending message : we have capability and will to oppose Turkey .
Conflict between Turkey and Syria rise over shutting down of Turkish military jet . Fawaz Gerges says just one spark could ignite a fire between Turkey and Damascus . Turkey establishing ` ` safe zone '' that limits Syria 's ability to move troops , he says . Gerges : Syrian is sending message : we have capability and will to oppose Turkey .