02-28-2020, 12:29 AM
(02-27-2020, 08:24 PM)John J. Xenakis Wrote: My conclusion also is that Putin's fantasy for victory in Idlib is
that Turkey is finally forced to open the border and allow millions of
Syrian refugees to cross into Turkey, and then continue traveling on
into Europe. Putin would consider millions of Syrian refugees, many
with coronavirus infections, pouring into Europe to be a major victory
over Europe.
So it seems that all the relevant parties have made irrevesible
choices, and we should see the results over the weekend.
I think Erdogan has backed Turkey into a terrible position. The S-400 purchase and the Turkish actions regarding Libya have upset the US. I don't think it's clear that the S-400s will work against Russian aircraft, and because of that purchase, they're not going to get US missiles.
I'd love to see Erdogan fight, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that he won't back down.
