Why NATO is deploying missiles in Turkey

NATO's decision to accede to Turkey's request of deploying Patriot missiles along the Turkish-Syrian border will have profound implications on the security scenario in the Middle East. Since there is no guarantee that NATO's allegedly defensive measure will not be used against others, the move will complicate the already tricky situation in the region and prevent the Syrian crisis from being resolved diplomatically.

Western countries have thrown their weight behind Syrian rebels, providing them with covert as well as overt support during the 21-month Syrian crisis. NATO officials have until now ruled out military intervention in Syria mainly because member states are wary of the consequences that would follow. In other words, NATO is not really opposed to a forcible regime change in Syria - like the one it did in Libya. It's just waiting for the opportune moment.

Under such circumstances, the deployment of Patriot missiles along Turkey's border could be seen as the first step in NATO's preparations for military intervention in Syria.