Turkey shoots down Russian jet

[Centurion40]

When did Turkey start throwing around the word 'martyr' like that? That alone is disturbing.

T'ain't though.

Can't help but wonder if Istanbul will get more batshit as the whole region gets more batshit.

[Boggit]

Perhaps that instability has worked in the Turks favour, and the thought that Turkey has been benefiting from ISIS oil sales makes sense.  The oil is going somewhere nearby.

According to Sauron and his sources in the French media, it is actually Erdogan's son who is the link on the oil deal with IS. Hardly surprising then that the Turkish airforce was mobilised to protect the family business interests.

I think Staggerwing's hope that Erdogan will clean up in Turkey is misplaced, especially if it is actually the case that his own family is trading with IS! :o

I'd really like to give Turkey the benefit of the doubt regarding IS, but I think we're now on notice to remain watchful.

[Staggerwing]

I think Staggerwing's hope that Erdogan will clean up in Turkey is misplaced, especially if it is actually the case that his own family is trading with IS! :o

I wasn't under the assumption Erdogan was doing anything good, just the opposite- getting rid of military officers who weren't toeing his line.


BTW- Russia Today is jumping on the Shootdown/Oil smuggling bandwagon:

Russia has received additional intelligence confirming that oil from deposits controlled by Islamic State is moved through Turkey on an industrial scale, said Vladimir Putin. President Recep Erdogan said he will resign if this is confirmed.

https://www.rt.com/news/324045-putin-erdogan-su-downing/

[pawelj]

Erdogan is not very different from Putin is the context of what they both mean to democracy and the rule of law in their countries. I'm not a fan at all, but they are in NATO. If Russkies wanted to avoid any problems they should have made extra effort to stay away from Turkish territory. Anyone who thinks there can be any common cause with Russia against ISIS is dreaming.

[Boggit]

I think Staggerwing's hope that Erdogan will clean up in Turkey is misplaced, especially if it is actually the case that his own family is trading with IS! :o

I wasn't under the assumption Erdogan was doing anything good, just the opposite- getting rid of military officers who weren't toeing his line.

My mistake. I misinterpreted what you'd said. Sorry. :-X

BTW- Russia Today is jumping on the Shootdown/Oil smuggling bandwagon:

Russia has received additional intelligence confirming that oil from deposits controlled by Islamic State is moved through Turkey on an industrial scale, said Vladimir Putin. President Recep Erdogan said he will resign if this is confirmed.

https://www.rt.com/news/324045-putin-erdogan-su-downing/

"if it is confirmed"... well the French media think so, Putin, and even an Air Traffic Controller friend of mine who is usually pretty good for info like this. If they are right Erdogan will be having a chat with sonny boy to keep his head down. With statements like that, I'm beginning to suspect a whitewashing exercise is about to begin... we'll see.