Riad al-Asaad

A leading figure of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) has been testifying to the Turkish intelligence after surrendering to Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces, according to reliable sources.

Moscow and Tehran have furiously condemned the American air strike on a Syrian air base on April 7, which marked the first direct U.S. assault on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Al-Assad's office called the strike "foolish and irresponsible" and Moscow announced a series of retaliatory steps, including plans to strengthen Syrian air defenses.

While he was in London on Jan. 18 for talks with his British counterpart David Cameron, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu also fielded questions from the British press on the Syrian Crisis.

His answers came at a time when everyone is waiting to see if the all-party talks in Geneva aimed at ending this crisis can be held next week. 

Two things he said stood out. 

Deputy Prime Minister Yalç?n Akdo?an has suggested Syria's Democratic Union Party (PYD) has been suffering from "Stockholm Syndrome" because they have been actually playing into the hands of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has oppressed them.

The Turkish government has agreed on a Syrian formula which includes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the condition that it will end with him stepping down, according to a Turkish source.

Free Syrian Army (FSA) commander Jamal Marouf, who has confirmed his presence in Turkey, has said the danger of losing the northwestern Syrian province of Aleppo has eased slightly, but warned that risks remain in the city that is deemed crucial by Turkey.