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Why is nobody talking about Turkish sovereignty in Russian fighter analysis?

December 2, 2015 at 3:46 pm

Once it was known that it was a Russian fighter which was shot down by Turkey’s air force — after being warned ten times, apparently, but continuing to violate Turkish air space — matters took a different turn. Nationally and internationally, the talk was about the potential for the incident to lead to open conflict; even World War Three.

Some looked at the situation from behind the scenes and talked about how Russia would stop exporting gas to Turkey in an effort to confuse and provoke public opinion. Within the opposition in Turkey — which tends to object and oppose everything — it was hard to find anyone who asked why the fighter was shot down. “Is it logical to shoot down an aircraft for violating air space for 17 seconds?” they asked. At the same time, neither pro-Erdoğan media nor those who hide behind the umbrella of the deep state (including the Gülen movement) saw the need to talk about Turkey’s sovereignty.

It is a fact that some of those who were unable, even after many days of meticulous efforts, to overthrow the Justice and Development Party by means of the ballot box now see a glimmer of hope for overthrowing Erdoğan by supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Based on the sympathy displayed by our supposedly democracy-loving intellectuals for Putin, who does not hesitate to eliminate his political opposition using the ugliest and most inhumane of methods, we can tell what their theories and logic will be for governing the country if they should ever get an opportunity to do so.

The matter is actually very simple: Turkey shot down an “unknown” aircraft based on the rules of engagement after it had violated Turkish air space. This is part of the whole concept of sovereignty known and accepted around the world and it was Turkey’s right to act as it did, as guaranteed by international laws and conventions.

There was no need for Turkey to have to get the green light to exercise this right from anyone. NATO sources confirmed that the Russian aircraft did indeed violate Turkish air space.

With all of these facts to hand, it is worth noting that Putin’s demand for an apology from Turkey cannot be explained logically; it is like a robber pressuring the owner of the house he has just robbed to apologise. Or asking the Ukraine to apologise for Russia occupying Crimea. It is absurd. Perhaps the Russian president, who is known for his love of vodka, had had one too many at the time.

Furthermore, when an international statesman like Putin makes direct accusations that Turkey is buying oil from Daesh, the issue moves beyond ridiculous. Such comments are not befitting of a statesman of his supposed stature.

The only logical reason for Putin saying such things is that he was in shock at what happened, although he could be making an effort to mobilise a modern Crusade against Turkey. His call for the return of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the Orthodox world may be evidence for this theory.

What makes matters worse is the fact that Russia and its president clearly believe that the country will stand back on its own feet by using heavy artillery to bomb innocent citizens in the Turkman area. This is delusional.

Russia’s entry into the Syrian conflict should remind us of our criticism of the Soviet Union’s 20th Century bombing campaigns; it will stain Russia’s image in the region. It will undoubtedly bring back to our collective memory what was always said in the 19th century; the infidels in Moscow cannot be worthy companions.

Translated from Arabi21, 1 December 2015.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.