Comments by "" (@craigkdillon) on "Geopolitics of the Black Sea" video.

Very interesting. A good summation of the history and current situation. However -- Erdogan's policies and attitudes need to be considered. Erdogan's relationship with the US and NATO is conflicted, at best. Why did Erdogan anger EU and US, forcing the cancellation of F-35's to Turkey?? Why would Erdogan place getting S-400 missiles over F-35's?? Like you say, Russia is a traditional enemy of Turkey -- so why the acquisition of the S-400s?? Russia has Crimea -- so why the continued actions in eastern Ukraine?? What more does Putin want there?
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@Dumertone Thank you very much for the info. Try as I might, I only know what I read. You live there. You know so much more on a deeper level. But, much of what you said validated much of what I already thought. Putin fears and hates democracy more than anything. However, Turkey & Russia are traditional enemies - for centuries. Pissing on your allies is not usually a good idea, IMO. At some point, Turkey may have to face Russia on his own. If you don't act like an ally, you may not be treated as an ally. Much more divergence from NATO, and the US could move its Incerlik base to Greek Cyprus (UK has base there). Then Turkey could be kicked out of NATO. From commenters from Turkey, it seems a lot of Turks are not happy with Erdogan's shift away from Europe. If so, than he may have to be harsher to keep his power. Erdogan is not in the same unassailable position Putin is in, I think. I don't see a Putin/Erdogan alliance, either. So, does Erdogan have a plan? Has he thought his policies through? I doubt it.
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