Views of the Neighbors

Our media outlets have flooded the news with daily articles and reports from Syria, detailing the atrocities of the conflict. But what of the countries that are directly feeling the consequences of the conflict? Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq share the the three largest borders with Syria, and their views on the situation are all across the spectrum.

In the following article, a Turkish Op-Ed writer essentially states how Turkey should stay out of the whole Syrian conflict, a far cry from what most of the world is saying. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-intervention-would-import-trouble-.aspx?pageID=449&nID=17925&NewsCatID=425

A Lebanese Op-Ed writer, on the opposite end of the spectrum, calls for a universal intervention to end the crisis, saying that the current UN resolution is inadequate to deal with the situation.

http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/04/09/op-ed-the-world-must-unite-to-save-syria/

And lastly, Iraq has mixed views. Iraq's government is refusing to support the rebels, while many of the people support the revolution. In the following article, an Iraqi sheikh admits he sent dozens of weapons and hundreds of fighters to help the rebel forces in Syria.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9137115/Iraqi-Sunni-tribal-sheikh-admits-sending-men-to-fight-against-Bashar-al-Assad-in-Syria.html

The question is, why do these neighboring countries have different views of the situation in Syria? All are subject to the same concerns such as violent spillover, refugee influxes, and international criticism for whatever action they take. But I believe that these countries are just acting in their own national interests. The leadership of Turkey and Iraq have more to lose in a regime change in Syria than the Lebanese leadership does, and as rational actors in the world system, these countries will do whatever it takes to secure their interests, whether it be by choosing to support the current brutal regime of their neighbor, or by aiding and supporting the rebels fighting against it.