Tensions are rising between Russia and Turkey as the two countries hit each other politically and economically following the warplane row over Syria. However, Turkey’s recent moves and answer to Russia’s “retaliation” may prompt a dangerous game between the two, potentially benefiting ISIS in the long run, according to analysts.

Russia expressed anger over the shooting down of its warplane near the border of Syria in November. Turkey claimed it violated airspace, which Moscow denied. This created a strain on the political relation of the two countries, with Russia being Turkey's harshest critic. Turkey decided recently to deploy a number of troops just near ISIS stronghold of Mosul, Iraq.

Many Iraqi officials called out the action, saying it violates Iraqi sovereignty. Russia jumped in, saying that the deployment was "illegal." Moscow also requested the UN Security Council to talk over Turkey's military action in Syria and Iraq.

Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is requesting Turkey to withdraw its troops. This is supported by Iraq's main Shia political parties. The same parties have requested to launch an airstrike should Turkey keep its troops in the area.

Nonetheless, the warplane shooting is just on top of the reasons why Russia is calling out Turkey's move. The country has been working with Iraq about the Islamic State and sharing “security and intelligence" in the process. Russia since then has been coordinating with Syrian and Iranian advisers to support Iranian-backed Shia militias in their fight against ISIS in Iraq.

"The presence of the Turkish troops near Mosul certainly further complicates the situation between Russia and Turkey," Russia expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Boris Zilberman told Business Insider.

"Not long ago there was [a] buzz about Russia potentially deploying forces to Iraq. In light of current developments, the possibility of such a deployment may gain steam once again."

He added, "If Turkey continues the deployment in Iraq, I would expect more bellicose language from Iraqi, Russian, and Iranian leaders. This only continues to raise the tensions and stakes in the regional conflict."

Turkey is not standing by without a fight. The country has accused Russia of launching "ethnic cleansing" in Syria. It has also stood on its ground saying that the deployment of troops in Turkey was "act of solidarity" with Iraq against ISIS.

"This is not an act of aggression but an act of solidarity," ABC quoted Davutoglu. "Our intention is to protect these trainers.”

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