Putins annihilation of certain cities has nothing to do with this topic. If you're going to make an argument make it relative. Political influence of Russia and its military influence are different things. The article makes no claim that Germany is a European regional power. Turkey also has influences on areas not considered part of the historical middle east such as Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, etc. Again exclusively adding a Geographical location to the Term Regional Power for Turkey is nothing but Euro-centric racism. Turkey is regionally considered middle Eastern by most countries regardless of including the statement. The statement was put there so others wont think that a country like Turkey could possibly have influence on a continent like Europe. By adding that, one is implying that Turkey isn't good enough to influence Europe even though no one is claiming it does. It is also making sure no one assumes Turkey is anything but Middle Eastern. There is no knowledge value of including that statement there. If you're going to be openly racist that's up to you, but don't include it sites like Wikipedia where large amounts of people go to seek knowledge.  07:15, 13 August 2012 (EST)