Following Shoot-Down of Russian Jet, Obama Says ‘Turkey Has the Right to Defend Its Territory and Air Space’

[WestVirginiaRebel]

The Blaze:

Amid questions over Turkey shooting down a Russian plane, President Barack Obama said much of the problem is Russia’s lack of focus in fighting the Islamic State.

 

“Turkey like every country has a right to defend its territory and air space,” Obama said Tuesday during a joint press conference with French President Francois Hollande. “I think it is very important for us to right now make sure that both the Russians, and the Turks are talking to each other and find out exactly what happened, and take measures to discourage any kind of escalation.”

 

But Obama went on to criticize the policy of the Russian government for trying to keep Syrian dictator Bashar Assad in power.

 

“I do think that this points to a ongoing problem with the russian operations, in the sense that they are operating very close to the Turkish border and they are going after moderate opposition that are supported by not only Turkey, but a wide range of countries,” Obama said. “If Russia is directing its energies towards Daesh and ISIL, some of these conflicts or the potentials for mistakes or escalation are less likely to occur.”

 

“Our view from the start, Russia is welcome to be part of this broad-based coalition,” Obama continued. “The problem has been Russia’s focus with propping up Assad rather than ISIL.”

 

Hollande said the U.S., France, Turkey and Russia must work together to combat the Islamic State and find a political solution in Syria.

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Where were you when World War III began?

[Valin]

 

Following Shoot-Down of Russian Jet, Obama Says ‘Turkey Has the Right to Defend Its Territory and Air Space’

 

 

Well if I understand it correctly Barry is right. Hey it was bound to happen.