Russia May Be Looking To Build Air Base In Syria Near Turkish Border

[Purveyor]

Source: CNN

Washington (CNN)Russia could be making moves to establish an air base in northeastern Syria along the border with Turkey, a development that could further complicate the overall situation in the region, two U.S. officials told CNN on Thursday.

The officials say the U.S. has seen a "limited" number of Russian military personnel, more akin to an exploratory party, looking at an airfield in Qamishli, Syria, possibly to determine how they might use the site in the future.

"We don't know what their intent is, but it is something we are watching closely," one official said, citing the already fraught relationship between Turkey and Russia following an incident late last year when Turkey shot down a Russian military jet that Ankara claimed had breached Turkish airspace.

Relations between the two nations, already at a low point, could be exacerbated if Russia were to build up its presence along the border, officials say.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/politics/russia-syria-air-base/

[cheapdate]

1. I'm not happy about the idea, but they're free to do so, just as we are.

[Nihil]

2. If given permission by the host country, go for it. If not, don't. (n/t)

[PersonNumber503602]

4. I'm guessing that some people have same issue with this as they have when the US

builds bases in countries even when they have express permission from the government.

I think that's a rather idealistic view that doesn't take into account the realities of the world. Although I give such folks credit for consistency, and I hope to see their vision of a world in which weapons of war are not spread all over the worlds comes true someday.

[bemildred]

3. Erdoğan says Turkey will not allow Russia to settle north of Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Friday that Turkey will not allow Russia to build a base in northern Syria.

President Erdoğan was asked by reporters after the Friday prayer of what he thinks about claims that Russia will build a base in Northern Syria.

Erdoğan said that Turkey is aware that there are around 100 Russian soldiers deployed in northern Syria.

Erdoğan said that the PYD terror organization, which is known to be supported by Russia, is no different than the Daesh terror organization.

http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2016/01/22/erdogan-says-turkey-will-not-allow-russia-to-settle-north-of-syria

[PersonNumber503602]

5. North of Syria or in Northern Syria?

North of Syria makes sense, as that would be Turkey. I'm not sure I see what right Turkey has to say what Russia & Syria do in Syria. *your link isn't working

[bemildred]

6. Yep, dead link, they pulled it or moved it.

(The place I got it from dead ends too now, so I know it's not just my mistake.)