RT is reporting live on the murder of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey.
Right now, we absolutely have to wait to get the real facts on the ground and not jump to conclusions.
God willing, I will share an analysis with you this evening.
The Saker
Saker Message:
If you can believe AP:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russian-ambassador-turkey-shooting-1.3903173
It could be the lone nutcase or one could suspect the usual evil for precipitating this.
“A time of our choosing”.
What if Putin takes the “at the time an place of our choosing” thing and demands retribution from the US? There is not evidence so far about this but the amateur hour nature of the hacks (Leaving the name of the founder of Russian Intelligence as a pseudonym, and launching the attacks from Yandex etc and Russian servers etc.) leaves no real chance that Russia was behind it. If they were, they would be ashamed to take ownership of such as amateur effort. So how, without evidence, could Putin simple attribute the attacker to al Nusra or some other al Sham nickname and with outrage demand this or some other thing. Actually Putin will probably wait and find the truth before speaking, and not immediately move with a lie for political leverage. Is this another arch Duke of Austria moment? These things have a habit of getting out of hand fast.
A ‘lone nut’ eh?
We are surely all familiar with that absurd bit of intel camoflage by now aren’t we?
An obvious question demanding an answer from Turkey is “precisely which Turkish security unit and individual(s) shot him dead, when taking him alive ought to have been a doddle?”
WHO did not want him to talk and made certain that he could not?
This meeting us going ahead:
http://english.almanar.com.lb/138785
Very sad indeed…especially when UNSC has unanimously today approved a resolution regarding monitoring the situation in Aleppo, after what seems to be an all night session by Russia and France , with an emphasis on Ambassador to UN Churkin stating he worked with France to present a joint resolution that would be accepted, considering recent proposed resolutions that appeared only to lay blame on Russia and Syria.A very strange synchronicity.
The liberation of Aleppo came as a result of russian/turkish agreement. So who is not happy about this results? who benefits from harming russian/turkish relationship? this is not brain surgery.
It definitely makes you think
I wondered about that German ‘investigative’ article which rehashed the Tatar/Grey Wolves meme – published here.
Especially the timing.
And where has it gone anyway? I can’t find it.
The timing of this event is extremely telling. From what I hear, the Russian ambassador to Turkey was fluent in Chinese and Korean languages and had a mandate to facilitate Turkey’s entry into he Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Really? Can you provide some links to this if you believe there were more ulterior motives than just Syria?
Who was behind the murder in Sarajevo prior to WW1 is behind this murder…somebody wants WW3– this happens after Aleppo liberation and this happens one month from Trump taking office.
WWIII one month after Trump taking office??? Why 20 Feb??? I am not aware of any occult significance of that date. Now April 30, that I would believe.
I think “Anonymous” meant TODAY’s events were exactly one month BEFORE Trump’s inauguration, not predicting some event a month AFTER.
Austrian and German military intelligence was behind the assassination of the Archduke. The Archduke was despised by the military and government. They arranged for him to be paraded in Sarajevo, and in the end, they had to drive his car to where the last, in a long line, of mostly adolescent assassins was waiting. They stopped the car in front of him and kept it still so he could walk up and shoot the Archduke practically point blank.
No one came to the funeral – it was boycotted.
Franz Ferdinand stood in the way of a war wanted by Austria against Serbia, and Germany against a greatly rising Russia before it got its vast railroad system set up. Ferdinand was worried about Russia, and he was also considering bringing in the Serbs/Southern Slavs in to the Austro-Hungarian Empire as partners.
I just came here to post in this…
Omg.
This is terrible. Absolute barbarism.
‘Do you now know what you have done?’ ( V. Putin)
Coincidence or conspiracy? OK. no need to jump to conclusions prematurely but there is a context and confluence of factors to take into consideration and below I list a few.
1. major escalation in Donbass
2.voting of the US electoral college
3. sealing of the Victory of Aleppo by UN agreement
4. Major escalation of CIA deep state assault on the American Constitution using the Russians as bogeyman.
A. murder most foul of Russian ambassador…hum. ” response at time and method of our choosing” ?
The answer is obvious. Increase security of Russian Ambassadors with tough no nonsense guards (shoot fire,ask questions later). Tell Turkey not to dare stand in their way when they retaliate on the terrorists responsible. Create “object lessons” on what happens when you murder a Russian diplomat. There is no “rocket science” needed here. Its as old as nation states themselves. You retaliate when one of your own is killed. If you aren’t willing to do that.Then you encourage more terror attacks. And there is no room for excuses of “we are taking the high ground”. The “high ground” is what military commanders acquire when they seize it on the battlefield. Any other use of that term is what we heard the other day on a video as “weasel words”.
Makes sense. And when you are in a war zone you don’t pretend your’re not and go out without protection that could take out “muslim” assassins in suits that try to break into a secure area.
Ken’ts video post should ID the guy fairly readily, one would think.I’d be surprised if he had shouted Allah even once before in his life before killing the ambassador. If he lives, his story will be very interesting. Maybe he is a suicide shooter, after all, as I very much doubt he will be allowed to be taken alive……
He was killed by Turkish security after the attack. There are photos of him dead. He was a Turkish policeman. It shows that “Islamists” are deeply rooted inside Turkey,even, or “especially”, inside the regime itself.
He was NOT a Turkish police officer
He had been a police officer – NYT’s reported this correctly
past tense
had been
Tass
http://tass.com/world/920640
the man who assassinated the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, on Monday night is identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas, a former office of the Turkish police who was fired from the forces of law and order in the course of investigation of the July 15 abortive putsch Haberturk news portal said.
Then how on earth did he get in to the exhibition?
He was standing alone – to the left, behind Ambassador Karlov (r.i.p,) – as if he was regular security.
How did that happen?
Who arranged security?
It has been reported that he WAS of the Riot Police and was among those fired following the Putch. It seems he still had his Police ID and got in on that. However it was down to the Turks to arrange security, which was obviously appalling. How an ex-police man gets in to such a venue with such a VIP carrying a gun is beyond belief. There appear to have been few security detail around. I would imagine this would be among the issue the Investigative Team which President Putin has sent to Turkey will be examining. Mod PS
Hold your fire.
Putin not only didn’t retaliate when the Turks shot down the Sukhoi, he proceeded to make an alliance with them…
WTF
Hmmm,is that so. It must be news to Erdogan then ,as RT reports these things on that subject:
“The Turkish leader also confirmed the identity of the attacker as 22-year-old Turkish riot police officer Mevlut Mert Altintas. Erdogan also added that a joint commission with Russia would be established to investigate the murder. ”
and
“Turkish Interior Monister Suleyman Soylu has confirmed that the attacker served in the Turkish riot police, according to Reuters.”
and
“A picture allegedly showing the perpetrator’s personal file, apparently proving he was indeed a police officer, was posted on social media.”
and
“The gunman has been identified as a Turkish police officer, Ankara mayor Melih Gokcek said, according to AFP.
RIA Novosti also says the attacker showed a police officer badge when entering the exhibition hall.”
https://www.rt.com/news/370782-attack-russian-ambassador-ankara/
If he was an Islamist,as he seemed to claim with his shouting at the murder site. Why would he be a “coup supporter”. Since Erdogan is the main Islamist leader in Turkey. Why would one of them support a coup against him. Interesting questions. It seems far more likely to me that the Turkish regime is doing “damage control”. And after first telling the truth about the attacker in the midst of the chaos.Is now trying to “backtrack” and distance themselves from him”oops,ah ah no,we fired that guy. He’s not one of us”.
But if he is dead, not possible to find out who is behind it, or whether he is really a lone wolf.
It is all dreadful.And horrible for the family to see the video. Terrible.
Russian ambassadorship in Turkey is surely a very important post. So this is politically a bombshell assassination. Similar to US ambassador to Britain or European country. Seems to me.
Katherine
https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/810922444039090177
Mert Altintas of #Ankara Police’s special operations unit said: “We are the one who pledge martyrdom … Allah Akbar”. He belongs to an org.
That is precisely the aim of the perpetrators, which are most logically, anyone against the recent normalisation of Turkey Russia ties and the allepo idlib activity. Those who gain would then be the rest of the crowd against Assad, and against the Turkish stream…Israel, us, eu, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan. Cui bono..
The security was increased after days and weeks of besiege of the Russian embassy by Turkish “protesters”. The man who killed Andrey Karlov was a police officer – Mevliut Mert Altyntash and member of the security.
On the video after the assasination and control shots he had enough time to deliver a speach and nobody did everything to stop him. He was yelling: ” Don’t forget Halep! Don’t forget Syria!” They could have arrested him, but they did not, they just shot him dead.
R
Obama threatens the Russian Federation over alleged election hacking.
Less than 24 hours later, the Russian Federation Amb. to Turkey is assassinated.
Obama really needs to choose his words more carefully.
Does not look good at all! Agreed!
Video of the incident removed by You Tube, and for understandable reasons RT are showing a shortened version.
For analysis, here are the longer version.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4de_1482167380
Take Care
Kent
First thing that hits me in the face in that video is how the gunman got to be the only person standing behind the Ambassador. Was he Turkish security/official security?
Yeah, looks weird to me. In fact, at first I thought he was security.
How come he gets to dance around there waaving his gun and threatening everyone and there is no security for the ambassador and no one disables the gunman with a shot to the shoulder or legs?
Katherine
He was apparently part of the Turkish police force.
Would you believe that? And believe it you should because it’s already a hard fact.
Yes, as I hear on RT, this man was a police officer trained at special forces and had all the credentials on him to be there as a security officer. The question (there are many), at least one of them, is, who chose him and sent him there, most probable there are more accomplices.
Breaking !!! in Berlin a truck went directly in a crowded Christmas market place, killing 9 and injuring 50. The driver escaped.
The assailant is identified as Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş who is a police officer from Ankara. He was one of Erdogan’s security officers. The Erdoganist who shot the ambassador shouted “Vengeance for Aleppo”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0DmpPsW8AA7HAn.jpg
I’m no expert on firearms, but to me, it looks more like a Fn fiveSeven than a glock or a 1911. In any case there were nine shots fired and he probably had a full magazine.
he shot the ambassador from the back. such coward.
the shooters family to be killed. all of them. for brining up such filth.
russian sub to lob a kalibr into Gulens hiding place in USA.
russian sub to lob another kalibr into langley. death to bastards!
you CIA scum will not escape punishment.
Dear The Saker,
Firstly, my condolences to the ambassador’s family at this tragic time. My prayers are with them.
I have been following this for a couple of hours. The Russian Foreign Ministry have stated its a terrorist attack and it will not go unpunished. It will be raised at the UNSC and to ensure it will not happen again says Maria Zakharova.
Apparently the Ambassador was instrumental in helping to negotiate the evacuations in Aleppo and was a career diplomat. The Mayor of Ankara has been allegedly stating the terrorist was a member of the police force and graduated in 2014.
The video going on twitter so quickly is questionable – how did they get the film so quickly? why has twitter allowed it? It only promotes further deaths and propoganda – it will embold the terrorists.
The irresponsible comments of Boris Johnson, Samatha Power, John Kerry, the MSM et al. with their lies about Syria and Aleppo has stoked so much of this terror/hatred and they need to learn the consequences of their actions – they will have to live with their conscience.
There is also some blow back for Turkey too in supporting these terrorists – they have allowed this mentality to grow and fester. Terrorists have been allowed to enter the country.
The meeting in Moscow tomorrow is still going ahead.
My burning question is how did he get so close to the Ambassador?
President Putin’s views:
https://www.rt.com/news/370831-putin-russian-ambassador-ankara/
nooooo,the Boris Johnson, Samatha Power, John Kerry, the MSM et al. should HANG for their crimes. they should be made an example for others who think war is fun & profitable (when others die).
Very regrettable and sad development. The empire is panicking all over, as Saker already said. So much hatred towards Russia. I do hope we can compensate from this vineyard with much Love and Compassion to Russia and her children. I am so sorry for this. May God comfort his family and Russia facing this loss.
Good analysis from VT, quite interesting.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/12/19/turkish-intel-shoots-russian-ambassador-in-ankara-in-erdogan-false-flag-ploy/
[lengthy analysis redacted]Twilight, we have been asked to hold our analysis/conclusions until later. All readers, please note: that this forum is reserved for those who wish to express grief and/or condolences addressed to the family or to the Russian Federation. Thank you for reading and contributing to The Vineyard of the Saker.
Simple facts so far – the RF Ambassador was shot in the back by a policeman….in previous episodes the Russian jet was shot in the back by an “ally”….the Syrian Arab Army was bombed by mistake by forces allied in “fighting terrorism”….the UN in Syria appears to be biased against the good….The RF is working with what it’s presented with in this proxy war with the Empire….I wish them all the best….to be continued….
We don’t know yet – though the Gulen connection has been mentioned on RT by several respected analysts.Mod
Gülenist left-over, on cia’s/saudi orders.
So the assassin is dead too: “Move along there’s nothing to see here.”
Putin’s public statement: https://youtu.be/BGRZspUHg08
Thanks, Merkel!
Truck Ploughs Into Berlin Christmas Market Killing Nine, Injured Over 50 In Apparent Terrorist Attack
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-19/truck-ploughs-berlin-christmas-market-least-one-dead-multiple-injured
Condolences to the Russians and the family affected by this tragedy. Yes, it looks like we are in a final stage when all of these world atrocities will be revealed.
Panic is taking stage by these psychopaths
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=protocols+of+the+learned+elders+of+zion+documentary
[analysis redacted]Matt, we have been asked to hold analysis/conclusions for the time being.
All Readers:
Please reserve this forum space for those who would like to express grief and or condolences to the family, or to the Russian Federation mod-DG
I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Karlov and pay tribute to his personal sacrifice in performing his diplomatic duties,
from the perspective of a compassionate human I would like to express regret that the shooter, an evidently young man, had become so confused and deranged by a twisted version of a religious ideology that he threw away his life with such a pointless and futile gesture,
we all deserve peace on earth and feelings of goodwill to all men,
My deep and sincere condolences to the Russian people and the family of the Russian ambassador.
Heartfelt condolences to the ambassador’s family, friends and nation.
“Will these wars never end? Will the day come when I and my daughters no longer have to kiss our men goodbye as they go to war yet again? I pray it will be so, I pray the wars will end. In my heart I know they will not end, these wars will never end. And I know the day will come when my husband does not come home, when my husband does not return to my welcoming arms. I will not weep now, I will weep then, I will weep when he does not return, when my life becomes empty and dark without him.”
My deepest condolences to The Lady, Ambassador Karlov’s wife, and to their family.
From Tass:
“MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. The man who assassinated the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, on Monday night is identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas, a former office of the Turkish police who was fired from the forces of law and order in the course of investigation of the July 15 abortive putsch, Haberturk news portal said.
More:
http://tass.com/world/920640
“Possibly used a fake ID to enter the premises..”
One more casualty of the Syrian war – the tragic consequences of supporting terrorists :(
There is something we can do in the US. We can call our congressmen and ask they support a resolution condemning the attack, and to recognize Ambassador Andrei Karlov as a man dedicated to peace.
The best idea I have heard in this blog in three years. That, yes, would make a difference, that is what we can do from our homes and leave the Russians in peace for some days to quietly take their decissions.
My deepest condolences to the widow, son, and friends, as well as all the Russian representatives and Russian people.
A big hug.
Elsi, why still wasting your positive energies?
Pues, mira…. comrade Kirov…cómo te diría yo….. because…. this blog “is read by all the intelligence services on a daily basis all day”?
For them all to know, then, my support for Russia and its deceased ambassador.
Salud!
No pasarán!
Statement to press at UN by Dr Al Jaafari naming the foreign instructors found in eastern Aleppo. He says they are not yet captured. Includes Q&A.
https://youtu.be/cKVF8UxBJ-k
Perhaps this is related to the tragedy in Turkey.
This would be better posted in the latest Syrian sitrep. Mod
The assailant is identified as Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş who is a police officer from Ankara. He was one of Erdogan’s security officers. The Erdoganist who shot the ambassador shouted “Vengeance for Aleppo”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0DmpPsW8AA7HAn.jpg
President Putin “we really need to know who is behind this”, but nothing will change with the negotiations in Syria.
Turkey is purposely made an hub of terrorism, to block any advancement in SCO.
Sadness fills the sky.
We should not jump to conclusions before more facts on the ground emerge.
But let’s not forget that we have been warned, from the horse’s mouth, that we must expect it.
‘Kill Russians and Iranians, threaten Assad,’ says ex-CIA chief backing Clinton
Published time: 9 Aug, 2016 19:19@https://www.rt.com/usa/355291-morrell-kill-russians-clinton/
“Former CIA deputy director Michael Morell, who supports Hillary Clinton and insists that Donald Trump is being manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Russians and Iranians in Syria should be killed covertly to “pay the price.”
The top CIA official, who twice served as the acting director of the agency, and worked with Clinton while she was secretary of state, told PBS host Charlie Rose that Iran and Russia should “pay a big price” in Syria – and by that he meant killing them…
When asked if that meant killing Russians and Iranians, Morell fully agreed, qualifying the answer with “covertly.”
“Tell the world about it, right?” he went on. “You don’t stand up at the Pentagon and say ‘we did this,’ but you make sure they know it in Moscow and Tehran.”
Rest in peace, Mr. Karlov:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbXR-m1xST8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V5gCUmb1gQ
really nice. thank you. elsi
Mod… not sure if this went through before. (site seemed to freeze )
From the land down under
– deepest sympathy for the Lady Ambassador and family in their dark hour of need
– deepest support for the sorrow and pain inflicted on the people of Donbass and Syria
Peace and blessings to the Saker community.
Let’s hope that 2017 brings hope and positive changes.
Apparently the ambassador had no body guards with him. Is that normal?
‘He did much to fight terrorism’: Putin, diplomats praise assassinated Russian ambassador Karlov
https://www.rt.com/news/370858-andrey-karlov-turkey-ambassador/
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Ambassador Andrei Karlov’s wife and family, all the people of Russia, Syria and the world.
May he Rest in Peace.
PS. We don’t need to speculate on who is ultimately responsible for his tragic death, we already know them all to well, by their evil words and deeds.
@ Uncle Bob:
“[..] It shows that “Islamists” are deeply rooted inside Turkey, even, or “especially”, inside the regime itself.”
Bingo!
Oh well… Islamists gonna do what Islamists gonna do… You go to bed with them [as per the Russians] and this is what happens.
To those out there still under the spell of some weird mental fog: Turkey is an Islamist country now. No different from Saudi Arabia. The few ‘moderates’ or secularists left are being overwhelmed (and/or lustrated, more like) by the Islamist radical fundamentalists. They’re the majority now, hence the thousands of Turks celebrating the “failed coup” and the return of their deranged leader Erdogan.
Why Russia wanna have an alliance with these people is beyond me.
Why? Because some stupid pipeline? Because some “pivot” to Asia? Why the hell the Chinese would want anything to do with the Turks anyhow? Because of some mythical cooperation to defeat ISIS? The Turks are funding ISIS! Just as enthusiastically as Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the rest of them are FFS!
———-
Additionally; to all those ‘hug-a-Muzzie’ out there, this is how “nice” these people are [no need to read the article just look at the pictures – my personal favorite is the placard reading: Putin = Assad = Hitler]:
PICTURES: Hundreds Protest Aleppo Outside Downing Street
http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/12/14/pictures-hundreds-protest-aleppo-outside-downing-street/
–
Or same theme again, second march, btw [Do notice all the Turkish flags, please…]:
Protesters Block off London Streets to Demand Action on Syria
http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/12/17/watch-protesters-block-off-london-streets-to-demand-action-on-syria/
–
But if that doesn’t convince… then there’s this one:
British Muslims Gather in Show of Strength to Demand Caliphate
“[..] Lanes of traffic were blocked off in London’s Belgrave Square as the protest got underway at about 9pm, with a prayer session outside the Syrian embassy.”
http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/12/14/watch-british-muslims-gather-show-strength-demand-caliphate/
(Just in case ^ that wasn’t clear enough, those are Salafists and of course they are against Assad and are protesting the killing of their beloved head-choppers in Aleppo)
——-
Last but not least:
More of these ‘nothing to with Islam (TM)’ – “false-flag” occurrences….
Truck ploughs into crowd at Christmas market in Berlin TERROR ATTACK: 12 dead, 48 hurt
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/745335/Berlin-truck-several-injured-Christmas-market
–
12 Dead, 48 Injured After Pakistan-Born Refugee Rammed Truck Into Berlin Christmas Market
“Likely terror related. According to information from German newspaper Die Welt, the alleged truck driver is from Pakistan, and is reported to have arrived as a refugee in Germany on 16 February 2016 [..]”
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-19/truck-ploughs-berlin-christmas-market-least-one-dead-multiple-injured
–
-TL2Q
PS: and before I get flamed for posting mainly Braitbart articles, I did that because 1- few other media sources reported on the protests and 2- our “trusty” Alternative Media is utterly useless at reporting/covering Breaking News with the exception of perhaps ZeroHedge.
So, get off my back!
Yes,I’m interested in the Berlin story as well. The truck driver was first reported to be “Polish”. But as the story gets clearer it seems like the truck was stolen from the Polish driver. He may or not have been killed,its uncertain yet. The German police who first said the driver was Polish.Seem to not want to say the driver was a Muslim immigrant (I’ve heard he is Pakistani but can’t be sure yet). Probably because that would be bad for Merkel. In one article (I think Zerohedge) it said the US had warned US tourists that they heard “chatter” about attacks on Christmas gatherings in Europe. And for Americans to stay away from those events.If true,the question is why Merkel didn’t bother to warn Germans about that.That women needs to go from power in Germany.If Germans are foolish enough to reelect her.Then the old saying “you made your bed,now lay in it” comes to mind.
@ Uncle Bod:
“Yes, I’m interested in the Berlin story as well. The truck driver was first reported to be “Polish” [etc]”
You’re not wrong. All the “Rapefugee Welcome” crowds were trolling everywhere, rejoicing at the fact that the supposed perpetrator was Polish and not an ‘immigrant.’
The news of the Polish guy getting his truck hijacked (and presumably murdered, and yes! The dead person in the truck is Polish) by an Afghani/Pakistani “refugee” didn’t break – not even on RT – until close to 2 am in the morning [Greenwich time].
Prior to that, the German Police was advising people to “stay at home” and to refrain from spreading “rumors” …meaning: if you were an eye witness and caught a glimpse of the so oh NOT Polish-looking immigrant, keep it to yourself! :/
“ [..] it said the US had warned US tourists that they heard “chatter” about attacks on Christmas gatherings in Europe. And for Americans to stay away from those events. If true, the question is why Merkel didn’t bother to warn Germans about that.”
Ah! You see? Because Merkel only does what her overlords: Soros/Globalists/Bilderbergers/etc tell her to do.
A whole bunch of German Christians got flattened, and she didn’t even make a statement yet! Oh… apparently that’s because 1- she’s was busy being briefed by her security services and 2- she retired to “mourn the dead.”
And the Germans put up with this sh!t?
Just like you said: “If Germans are foolish enough to reelect her. Then the old saying “you made your bed, now lay in it” comes to mind.”
It’s AfD for them – or bust, I’m afraid.
Trouble is; these clueless Germans are part of the Schengen zone. If they vote Merkel back in, or someone else one equally bad… folks will have to build a wall all around Germany, just to contain the vermin they’ve attracted into their country.
And then they took the piss of Trump for talking about building walls! Bah!
Is starting to sound like the guy was/is a visionary.
-TL2Q
“Why Russia wanna have an alliance with these people is beyond me.”
Erdogan is the leader of the islamists, and Russia now has a reasonable degree of control over Erdogan. Like playing a fish on a light line.
Doing it this way led to Erdo pulling a lot of his terrorist forces out of Aleppo Idlib and Latakia to prevent the creation of US Rojava.
Now they are happily doing battle with the US Kurds and ISIS rather than the Syrian government forces.
The US is always talking about “training rebels” to fight ISIS. Working through Erdogan, Russia has turned a large number of headchoppers to fighting ISIS.
@ Peter AU:
“Erdogan is the leader of the islamists, and Russia now has a reasonable degree of control over Erdogan [etc]”
*sigh* I wish I’d shared your enthusiasm and/or optimism.
-TL2Q