... their AS-400 system could not effectively detect or deter an actual American attack.
Turkey is also negotiating manufacture of the SU-57, in the wake of the failed F-35 bid (which created an F-35 spare parts problem for the US, since many parts were made in Turkey)
The systems at the Russian Tartus naval base only protect the base, and are usually not turned on.
Turkey has successfully played the US against the Russians; or perhaps is allying with Russia.
The Iranians don’t like Turkey’s idea of controlling part of Iraq and have surrogates (Al-Qods units directing) fighting them.
“Turkey has successfully played the US against the Russians; or perhaps is allying with Russia.”
While the Erdogan regime rules Turkey, it’s safe to assume that the US won’t be trusting Turkey for much of anything.
They are in effect out of NATO, effectively, with their purchase of the S400 system. They won’t be trusted now and NATO will wait for a regime change instead of just booting them out.
The myriad of factions in Syria is real and there is a multi level civil war among Jihadist groups with splintering in a myriad of directions.
Of course, we know Russia’s intent is to destabilize the West, but right now the West is doing a great job of fracturing the Hadjis.
If the Russians were smart, they get out now before it gets worse. But they are not smart as the Wagner blunder proved a while back.