Assassination of Russian ambassador not to damage Russia-Turkey ties

HAVING ONLY PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

The Monday incident will by no means sour ties between Turkey and Russia, said Zan.

He cited the fact that leaders on both sides have pointed the finger to the common enemy instead of each other. Observers even reckon that cooperation would strengthen.

They believe retaking the northern Syrian city of Aleppo and other military victories made by the Syrian government forces have helped diminish the chance of toppling the Bashar al-Assad government.

On top of this, it is likely the upcoming Donald Trump administration of the United States will shift to a moderate stance towards Assad and increase cooperation with Russia in solving the Syrian issue.

Generally speaking, Turkey and Russia share interests in combating terrorism, said Zhang Hong, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The Erdogan administration has seen relations with Washington worsen since the failed military coup in July, while finding more common grounds with Moscow.

The Monday assassination of the Russian ambassador may serve to prompt more cooperation in fighting terrorism between Ankara and Moscow and between them and Tehran.

In addition, the incident would help justify continued U.S. efforts against terrorism, against the backdrop of possibly warmer U.S.-Russia ties. This would enable the West to maintain a role in resolving the Syrian crisis with a stance not completely against the Assad government, Zhang said.