“I believe Turkey acted foolishly. You apparently do not.”
I’m not expressing an opinion about the wisdom of the engagement. I am only observing the situation with regard to the application of international laws. It also needs to be noted that the engagement did not occur because of a decision by the Turkish fighter pilots. The decision and order came directly from President Erdigon, according to the news reports. His involvement implies President Erdogan had decided to take action against the next unidentified warplane the made an incursion into Turkish air space to give teeth to the warnings that have gone unheeded for months and longer.
Was Erdogan’s decision wise or unwise? Given the recent geopolitical situation, I can see it being problematical either way it was to be played. I suspect Erdogan has consulted with the other NATO leaders, found disagreement among their ranks, and then decided to proceed to act upon the views of those who shared his concerns about Putin’s intentions. The East European members of NATO are deeply concerned about Putin’s appetite for further territorial conquests. Many of them believe Turkey has the geographical position and military strength needed to win in a confrontation with Putin’s Russia. They likely believed the next time Russia set out to provoke an incident, they would oblige him with a punishment designed to signal that is time for Putin to backdown or face a conflict Russia and Putin cannot afford to risk, economically and politically. The prior controversial Russian kill of the Turkish F-4 Phantom provided a plausible reason for being touchy about the activities of Syrian and Russian military aircraft and combat operations along the Turkish border. It may also be Erdogan’s warning to putin to layoff the Syrian rebel Turkmen groups being supported by Turkey inside Syria.
This is the first I’ve heard that the F-4 was shot down by Russians. If so, it’s perfectly understandable that the Turks would want to send a message.
Fact is that the Russians are meddling where they don’t belong, and haven’t made too many friends in the area.
Also, for the Turkmen to have murdered the pilot of the SU24
was a despicable act. That will call down the wrath of Spetsnaz on the heads of the guilty parties and rightfully so.
While that may be true, Turkey isn't exactly an honest broker. We have to be simultaneously wary of Russian ambitions in Europe and Turkish ambitions in the Near East.