The shooting down of Russian fighter jet
- By Sajjad Malik
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 25, 2015
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A war plane crashing in flames in a mountainous area in northern Syria after it was shot down by Turkish fighter jets near the Turkish-Syrian border, is seen in this still image taken from video November 24, 2015. |
It was moment of intense fear. Turkey claimed downing the Russian fighter aircraft for violating its airspace. In the mix of territorial rivalry, it was not easier to judge how Moscow's anger and initial response. President Vladimir Putin is not accustomed to take anything like this lightly. Far away on horizons lurked anxiety, having vague resemblance with the one generated by an attack a hundred years ago in 1914 in Sarajevo. The isolated act of terrorism ignited the huge fire we remember now as the First World War.
Fortunately, despite infuriation and annoyance, there is nothing like World War III.
Russia is obviously angry and President Putin in his remarks after meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan at the resort of Sochi termed the downing of jet as "stab in the back." He said it would have serious consequences for bilateral ties with Turkey. He also accused Turkey of "financing" the Islamic State and some other militant groups, the allegations which are difficult to confirm.
Turkey on its part believes that it was well in its limits to target an aircraft which violated its airspace and was brought down after warnings. It also blamed Russia for repeatedly entering its air last month. Soon after destroying the jet, it called a meeting of NATO to discuss the development, further angering Putin, who expected that Turkey should have talked to Russia than NATO allies after the incident.
The immediate result was cancelation of a visit to Turkey by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this week, who said that "terrorist" threat has increased. It may further result in the cancelation of a visit by Turkish President to Russia which was to take place next month.
Russian is really in very awkward situation after the plane disaster. The tragedy occurs after its passenger aircraft was destroyed by Islamic State in Egypt. The public pressure might increase on its leaders to react strongly, which is not good for peace.
The incident also shows that Syria has become a cauldron of competing interests and rivalries. As fighter jets of several countries scramble in search of their targets, more tragic incidents cannot be ruled out.
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