The Defections Begin

[MIGMaster]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/world/109858-syrian-fighter-pilot-flies-to-asylum

[Centurion40]

Huh.  A Colonel.  Interesting.

[LongBlade]

I heard on the news it was an officer. Didn't know it was a colonel.

TV also reports we've got a few CIA folks distributing arms to the guys we like on the ground, courtesy Saudi Arabia, et al. Good to know we've finally put a toe in the pool.

[mirth]

I wonder if we also had a hand in that Russian ship transporting the helos losing it's insurance and turning back.

[LongBlade]

I wonder if we also had a hand in that Russian ship transporting the helos losing it's insurance and turning back.

That is merely legerdemain.

If the Russians were sincere about getting those helos to Syria they'd guarantee the ship's cargo themselves. The ship will return, they'll wait a couple of weeks, and then try again.

[mirth]

Don't you think it was just a face-saving way for the Russians to get out of delivering the helos? They've probably already been paid for the repair work and delivery.

[MIGMaster]

Good Point Mirth !

[Centurion40]

Don't you think it was just a face-saving way for the Russians to get out of delivering the helos? They've probably already been paid for the repair work and delivery.

Just like someone doing business with the mafia.

[LongBlade]

Don't you think it was just a face-saving way for the Russians to get out of delivering the helos? They've probably already been paid for the repair work and delivery.

Could be.

How many news stories do we read about arms shipments/deliveries?

None.

This was in the news for a reason. Maybe behind the scenes the Russians are pulling back from Syria, but I don't know why. Perhaps they're looking to curtail a nuclear Iran, too.

[Gusington]

No one wants a nuclear armed Iran. That's like letting your slow cousin Otis horde all the fireworks.

[LongBlade]

Turkey says one of its jets is missing and believes Syria shot it down: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/22/turkish-warplane-reportedly-goes-missing-near-syria/

[Martok]

Turkey says one of its jets is missing and believes Syria shot it down: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/22/turkish-warplane-reportedly-goes-missing-near-syria/

Questions that come to mind: 

1.)  Will this be enough to goad/justify Turkey into taking a more open hand in the conflict? 

2.)  Did the incident actually happen, or did Turkey manufacture it in some way? 

3.)  Would Turkey openly intervening be a good thing? 

[Staggerwing]

Syria's gov't has already claimed responsibility for the shoot-down, saying the jet was trespassing and shot down according to standing ROEs. Considering that Turkey and Syria were allies not long ago that statement is not going to go down well in Ankara methinks. If the pilot and co-pilot are confirmed killed then the thing will go up a few more notches. The Turkish gov't has already stated it will take punitive action when the facts of the case are confirmed.

[bayonetbrant]

^^

Pretext for invoking Article 5 with NATO and bypassing the UN altogether?

[Staggerwing]

^Interesting thought...