The Role Of Nato In Mediating Boundary Dispute Between Turkey And Syria

Abstract

The subject matter of this research is on the role of NATO in mediating boundary dispute between turkey and Syria. The problem of this research is anchored on the boundary dispute between Turkey and Syria and also the way NATO has handled the matter so far. There are complicating issues bordering on the dispute between the two belligerent countries because the two countries were hitherto close neighbours and friends engaging in treaty making and also having good diplomatic relations. The major objective of this study is to unveil the role of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in mediating the boundary dispute between Syria and Turkey; other objectives include tracing the origin of NATO, to unveil the relationship between Turkey and Syria. The Theoretical frame work is intractable conflict theory. The researcher in the findings discovered that Turkey is also backing plans for a buffer zone on the border with Syria. The researcher recommends that the boundary between Syria and Turkey be properly demarcated, sanctions should be placed on any of the parties who encroach into another country’s land, the diplomatic relations between Turkey and Syria should be sustained. The researcher therefore further recommends that United Nations Organisation should send a high powered delegation to visit Turkey and Syria, get their views to enable UN assist NATO in mediating on the crisis. Both Turkey and Syria should suspend hostilities and adopt solutions proffered by NATO to end the crisis.