peacetraveler22 | Turks vs. Russians

Damn, what wildness in the world now! I awoke to news of the military incident with the Russian jet. Now, a news flash on RT that the pilots were shot dead in the air while trying to parachute. Who should we believe? Russia's version of the incident varies wildly from that of the Turks and the U.S., who claim 10 warnings were given before the jet was taken down. Now, there will undoubtedly be bans on yet another prime tourist destination for Russians. It is reported that there are already demands to evacuate tourists from Turkey and cancel the visa-free regime until Turkish officials issue an apology. Who and what should we believe? What is going on?? Nothing is clear, just like this blurry photo, where I photobombed a shot with a random Russian man in some remote town last winter. I don't even remember the name of the city, but when I look at this photo, I always smile. And we can all use some laughter and a brief moment of humor on this day.

I don't even know what to say, or how to analyze this situation, because I'm no expert in foreign or military affairs. How will Putin and NATO react? Who do you believe? Today the French flags are hanging in Washington, DC because Francois Hollande is visiting Obama. Now is a rare chance for you to express your opinions about the political and military situation in this blog. I know you are all experts! :) I will read all your comments, but don't have time to answer everyone...

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I've never been to Turkey, or even met a Turk here in the USA! So, about the culture and mentality I know almost nothing. Who isn't frightened by ISIS?

Turkey is strange situation. They are (mostly) Sunni Muslims. Religiously all Arabs are Sunni. A minority and those that are not Arabic (Iran) are Shiites. Traditionally they do not get along because of their interpretation of Islam. Think of that as Catholic vs Protestants. Turks are ethnically the same as Indians. They are not Arabs and nothing in common with them other then their religion. So there is a corresponding war going on between Sunnis and Shiites in addition to the war against Isis Syria by the way is mostly Shiites. And ethnically Syrians are not Arabs. Turkey is hostile and fearful of any interference, thus the downing of that plane. Turkey is also reluctant to shoot and kill Sunnis.

I was in Turkey once but had two funny incidents.
I ordered my bank to sell me a bunch of Turkish pounds and did not actually know the value of the bills.

1. On one of the bill there was a picture of some university. Walking on a street I suddenly see that university as real. I prepare my camera to make a photo. At that time in Turkey there was some kind of military situation and the streets were patrolled by helmeted soldiers with sub-machine guns. A soldier is standing smiling at me. Suddenly there comes a bus and stops to let passengers out. I lower my camera. The soldier asks my sort of why do I not take a picture? I point him at the bus that is obstructing my vision. The soldier turns around, sees the bus and points his gun at the driver: get the funk away from here! Then I take my photo and we smile at each other.

2. I see on a street a man leading a bear on a leash. The man sees me and makes the bear stand up on its hind legs. I pull out a Turkish bill from a pocket and give to the man. He looks at the bill crumbles it, throws away, starts crying with tears and goes away. I felt so bad then :-(

!0 minutes left. What to say? Bon appetit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSCu2Rug75Y

Turks vs. Russians - what is going on?!?

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