Russian ambassador assassinated in Turkey

[Nawth_Chucka]

@AK84

If it turns out he was a member of some US backed “moderate”, then that would make thing very interesting very quickly.

Less proxy than our usual goings-on w/ the Russians, you mean?

[Little_Nemo]

@voltaire

But he wasn’t just a “symbolic” representative. He was “the actual” representative of the country who this man apparently blamed for killing “his people” and he was specifically and exclusively targeted.

Since words have meanings, he was quite clearly an assassin.

I disagree. Unless you feel Karlov was personally directing Russian policy towards Turkey and Syria, which would be highly unusual. Otherwise his killing was intended as an attempt to change the minds of policy makers in Moscow.

[Little_Nemo]

@AK84

If it turns out he was a member of some US backed “moderate”, then that would make thing very interesting very quickly.

I doubt that’s going to happen. First, the killer was yelling “God is great!” and calling for a jihad which means he was most likely a member of some Islamic terrorist group, not a secular group.

Second, Putin currently has an advantageous position with the American government. He’s not looking for excuses for a confrontation with us.

[Gray_Ghost]

@AK84

If it turns out he was a member of some US backed “moderate”, then that would make thing very interesting very quickly.

And right on cue, comes this blurb from “The Moscow Times.” (Whoever they are.)
FTL:

Local news outlets in Turkey claimed the assailant was involved in FETO, an organization run by Fethullah Gulen, who lives in exile in the United States. FETO is banned as a terrorist organization in Turkey, where journalists say the assailant was fired from Turkish police, following the unsuccessful coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, earlier this year.

I was wondering how Turkey was going to try and shoehorn Gulen into this. FWIW, I haven’t seen this claim made elsewhere, but I’m not versed in Turkish media.

[AK84]

@Little_Nemo

I doubt that’s going to happen. First, the killer was yelling “God is great!” and calling for a jihad which means he was most likely a member of some Islamic terrorist group, not a secular group.

Second, Putin currently has an advantageous position with the American government. He’s not looking for excuses for a confrontation with us.

As for the first, saying “God is great” is zero indication as to the degree of a person religious tendencies. It’s basically the same as Christians making the sign of the cross. Secondly, what makes you think that Putin necessarily believes he has the advantage?

[Little_Nemo]

@AK84

As for the first, saying “God is great” is zero indication as to the degree of a person religious tendencies. It’s basically the same as Christians making the sign of the cross.

If you make the sign of the cross while shooting people it’s good evidence your religious tendencies have veered towards religious terrorism.

Terrorism is all about branding. The slogan you shout as you go commit your terrorist act is one which defines your cause.

@AK84

Secondly, what makes you think that Putin necessarily believes he has the advantage?

Because Putin’s the butch and Trump’s the bitch.

[voltaire]

@Little_Nemo

I disagree. Unless you feel Karlov was personally directing Russian policy towards Turkey and Syria, which would be highly unusual. Otherwise his killing was intended as an attempt to change the minds of policy makers in Moscow.

Assassins can’t have that as a motive?

He was a Turkish citizen and a cop who announced no affiliations and no terrorist groups have claimed him. He specifically told bystanders he meant them no harm and they were free to go. By all appearances, Turkey’s prime suspect behind the crime is the group of the Gulen guy who lives in the Poconos.

Yup, even though Turkey and Russia are currently on opposite sides of the Syria conflict, somehow the US will end up taking most of the heat on this for not handing over Gulen.

[AK84]

@Little_Nemo

If you make the sign of the cross while shooting people it’s good evidence your religious tendencies have veered towards religious terrorism.

Terrorism is all about branding. The slogan you shout as you go commit your terrorist act is one which defines your cause.

Extremists wil sayl “Allah-hu-Akbar” it while doing whatever. As will moderates and liberals and irreligious folk. You are looking at it from a context of a former NYS Prison guard for whopm such pharse seems to indicate belief. From the context of the attacker and his culture, saying that phrase does not necessarily indicate his religious tendencies or theirerigour.

Because Putin’s the butch and Trump’s the bitch.

Well they say in BDSM that its the Sub who is in real control.:p:D