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Sunday, March 23, 2014

A Shot Across Russia's Bow?

Turkey shot down a Syrian warplane over Syrian air space. Was this a shot directed at Russia over seizing Crimea?

Turkey shot down a Syrian warplane:

The unnamed spokesman was quoted by Syrian state TV as saying the plane was downed Sunday in Syrian airspace as it was attacking rebels who have been on the offensive in the coastal province of Latakia.

The pilot made it out of the plane, apparently.

This could be revenge for Syria shooting down a Turkish recon plane a couple years ago.

But given that I've wondered if Turkey would have something to say about Russia taking Crimea (which Russia originally took from the Turks centuries ago) from Ukraine, and wrote that working against Assad would be the most effective revenge, is this a sign of leaning forward on resisting Assad?

Could Turkey be edging toward a "humanitarian" safe zone along their border inside Syria where rebels would have a sanctuary?