Turkey Under Attack?

Hi everybody,

I’m currently on vacation in Istanbul, Turkey, where I’ve spent two days visiting many historical mosques, palaces, markets, and architectural landmarks. This city is beautiful, exotic, hot, crowded, and a place I’m sure I will come back to in the future.

Istanbul

The interior of the Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia

Though Turkey is a Muslim country, it is very tolerant to other religious beliefs besides it's own. Turkey is also strong economically and eager to join the European Union.

European Union Flag

Today I read an interesting article in the International Herald Tribune about an episode, which occurred  on June 22^nd.  A Turkish warplane was shot down over International waters by Syria.

A Turkish F4 warplane

Here’s the problem, the Turkish plane flew over Syrian airspace for five minutes unknowingly. The Syrians, however, shot down the plane, claiming it was over their airspace and have a right to defend themselves.

Either way, the Syrians shot down a Turkish plane, WHICH worsened relations between Turkey and Syria.

Turkey and Syria are neighbors

Last month, Turkey, the European countries, and the US removed diplomats from Syria and asked for the resignation of Bashar al-Assad.

Is Syria mad at Turkey for joining with the West? 

What do you think? Did the Turkish plane deserve to be shot down or did Syria shoot with hostility for the Turkish stance on the current regime?

The shooting of the plane looks, to me, like an act of hostility.

Share your views.

Thanks,

Emmanuel