Turkey-Syria conflict triggers new political changes in Middle East

After striking a deal with Russia on Tuesday to ensure Kurdish forces in Syria withdraw from areas close to the Turkish border in 150 hours, Turkey extended the ceasefire along the Turkish-Syrian border. Ankara launched "Operation Peace Spring" on Oct 9 in a bid to create a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the Turkey-Syria border by freeing it of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which it claims are terrorists.

Ankara may heave a sigh of relief now, but in the aftermath of Operation Peace Spring, the situation in the Middle East could change drastically, not least because relations among the major players in the region have been changing constantly.

Turkey's military action inside Syrian territory evoked strong opposition from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Israel, as well as the European Union. And many say Turkey's expansionist policy could change the power balance in the Middle East, because its offensive has further complicated the situation in the region.