I understand Turkey’s “ambiguous” position in the war on ISIS. I believe the U.S. recognizes Turkey’s borders and is obligated to defend a NATO partner.
I do not think Turkey's position is at all ambiguous. I think it is quite clear that they are the money spigot for ISIS and that ISIS are their well loved allies.
I think the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created to confront a Soviet invasion of Europe. I think it is a violation of the spirit of the organization to deliberately provoke Russia with belligerent and unnecessary acts.
I am reminded of a little boy throwing rocks at a big man, and then running to get behind his mother's skirts when the man turns to give him what he deserves.
I do not believe in appeasement, but I also do not believe in deliberate and unnecessary provocation. If we were men, and one little shrimp among us decides to go and punch a bigger man because we have all agreed to defend each other, I think most men would let the little shrimp get back the beating he deserves.
I think Turkey has deliberately created a technicality to allow them to throw their sucker punch, but in doing so they have deliberately violated the understanding between the members of the coalition.
And let me put it another way. If you deliberately ambush one of my aircraft and kill one of my pilots, and then Turkmen deliberately kill the members of the rescue team, I would be out for blood. I would work some means of paying you back.
I expect Putin to retaliate. He cannot do otherwise. Turkey may have just started something very horrible, and much American blood may get spilled before this is over.