Syria shoots down Turkish F-4

[Reg]

As an exercise in locating Syrian radar defences and testing their preparedness the Turkish exercise was a success. The Turkish phantom was on a direct course for the Syrian naval base at Tartus that at the moment is staffed by Russians who are responsible for resupplying and servicing Russian warships that dock there on mediterranean patrols. The Turkish fighter was less than five minutes flying time when the Syrians shot it down. I suspect that an extra potential result of the flight was to discover if the Russians would actually do something. I am sure that the Syrians would have had Russian permission to shoot. The Turks and their US masters have learned a great deal and it only cost them a scrapheap old plane and a couple of third class pilots ( quality pilots are not assigned old warplanes). The Turks themselves and particularly their leader Erdogan are now having to huff and puff and make war like noises after this setback. Erdogan has said 'decisive and direct' action would result. Its a shame he wasnt this concerned about Turkish lives when the Israelis slaughtered his countrymen in international waters.

I can only hope that this prompt and decisive action will delay the inevitable US/UK/Israeli attack a little longer in the hope that the Syrian/Iranian/Russian/Chinese alliance (at present only speeches) becomes a real military alliance and world war three is averted. But in reality it doesnt look good, all we can do is make sure that our families and ourselves can sit out the nightmare and hopefully come out the other side.