Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Putin and Erdogan Meet

     So, the beleaguered Premier of Turkey goes hat-in-hand to Moskova to chat with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.   Let's talk about: a.) shoot down of the Russyan plane by 2 of our fighters-sorry about that, b) the gas pipeline through Turkey to southern Europe-good idea, let's do it, c) open up Turkey for all those tourists from Moskova who need some sun and relaxation, d) NATO is no big deal, we hardly even care about that old saw; we don't even give it any money, e) Syria is still sending refugees across our common border, maybe you could help stem the tide, f. Yes, I've taken a few lumps back home recently, but what leader hasn't been pressured lately-look at Ms. Merkel and old David Cameron and Francois- the new normal.
      So, Mr. Erdogan wants to calm the waters, send a message to the West that he doesn't necessarily need European approval for anything and everything: he's his own man, even if he can't win approval for his antidemocratic positions of late.  Good luck.

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