Erdogan’s major difference with ISIS is where the Islamic caliphate ultimately should be based. He believes in the restoral of a caliphate under Ottoman rule
Turkey Risks Wider War and Undercuts Fight Against ISIS
While admitting that he was not in possession of all of the facts regarding Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane on November 24th, President Obama was quick to blame only Russia. He said at a joint news conference with French President Francois Hollande that Turkey had “a right to defend its territory and its airspace.” Obama also criticized Russia for propping up Syrian President Assad by going after the so-called “moderate” rebels rather than concentrating on ISIS. From the information that has come out so far, however, Turkey appears to have acted precipitously, without sufficient justification or forethought about the potential consequences. Russia does bear some responsibility for what happened, but Turkey overreacted to a minor alleged violation of its airspace. In doing so, Turkey risked a major escalation of hostilities with Russia that could draw in NATO. Turkey’s action also undermined efforts to forge a coordinated strategy with Russia to combat the common enemy, ISIS.
