Literally for months, Turkey has been causing all sorts of trouble in the Middle East, and wielding its membership in NATO as a shield against reprisals. Today, that nonsense ended.
"Ankara should not exaggerate its NATO resources: The alliance would not give any support of a Turkish aggression against Russia." Those were the words of Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, who made clear he spoke for several other NATO Member countries.
An example of Turkey's abuse of its NATO membership became crystal clear about five days ago, when Turkey began artillery shelling from 400 meters away from its border with Syria. The Turks fired countless artillery shells into Syria, in support of Turkish-backed rebels who are trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Syria told Turkey to stop the artillery shelling. Turkey refused. Then Russia told Turkey to stop because the shelling is endangering Russian forces inside Syria who are fighting the Rebels and ISIS/Al-Qaeda terrorists. Turkey refused. Then The United States told Turkey to stop the artillery shelling, and Turkey again refused, apparently thinking that its membership in NATO made Turkey invincible. "
"They seem to think the US and NATO are obligated to fight for Turkey even if Turkey is the one who starts a war" said one US State Department Spokesman. "That is not how the NATO Treaty works" he continued. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn confirmed this when he said 'The mutual defense guarantee applies only if a Member State is attacked in a unique way.
Some have used more common examples to describe Turkey's recent behavior. "They're like a little brother who abuses everyone thinking his big brother will simply beat up everyone the little guy starts a fight with." Sooner or later, the big brother has to allow the little guy to get a bloody nose so he understands he cannot treat people any way he wants and use the big brother as a threat."
Despite this clear warning, Turkey continues its artillery shelling of Syria. Sadly, it looks like Turkey is headed for that "bloody nose" to teach it to behave.
Eze Afrika
