Turkish President warns about Syria crisis

Turkish President Abdullah Gul says Syria could become ‘Afghanistan on the shores of the Mediterranean’ if the international community does not act to end the crisis in the country.

“I do not think anybody would tolerate the presence of something like Afghanistan on the shores of the Mediterranean. For that reason, the international community must have a very solid position with respect to Syria,” Gul said in an interview with the Guardian on Sunday.

The Turkish president also stated that the global response to the crisis in Syria was “disappointing.”

Many of the casualties in Syria could have been avoided if the outside world had reacted strongly, Gul added.

He said if the current situation in Syria continued unchecked, it would “poses a danger and threat not just for Turkey – it is an issue for everyone.”

“If the atmosphere remains as it is, then this can lead to more radicalization and some groups in the civil war becoming more extreme.”

Gul also said Ankara would react “in the strongest way possible” if the conflict spills over the border.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to statistics compiled by the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in the turmoil.