Heiko Langner: "The policy of NATO member Turkey has strengthened Islamist terrorist organizations"

The Russian Federation considers the treacherous backstabbing by those who were considered partners in the fight against terrorism to be absolutely inexplicable, President Vladimir Putin stated today, speaking at a ceremony of presentation of credentials by new foreign ambassadors. Berlin political scientist Heiko Langner told Vestnik Kavkaza about the consequences of the incident with the Russian aircraft downed by the Turkish military in Syria.

- What is the position of Germany on the current situation in relations between Ankara and Moscow?

- The German government should not rush to express solidarity with Turkey. There are conflicting data regarding the violations of Turkish airspace by Russian military aircraft. Moscow denies it, and Ankara itself only speaks about 17 seconds during which the Russian Su-24 was in its airspace. It's a fact that, at the time of the launch of the missiles by the Turkish fighter, the Russian aircraft was already in Syrian airspace and it crashed on Syrian territory. In this respect, the destruction of the Russian aircraft can't be justified. Also, taking into account the entire associated situation, many things speak in favor of the Russian position. It is no secret that President Erdogan is actively seeking the overthrow of Bashar Assad. In fact, Ankara quite openly supports the militarized Syrian opposition. This also includes jihadist groups such as 'Islamic Front' and 'Ahrar al-Sham', as well as numerous groups in the composition of the 'Free Syrian army'. It is also impossible to say that Turkey is seriously fighting Islamic State, instead it attacks the Syrian Kurds, who are the strongest opponents of IS on the ground. The main opponents of Erdogan are Assad and the Syrian Kurds, close to the PKK. Everyone who fights against them is beneficial for Erdogan. Thus, Putin is absolutely right in calling Turkey "an accomplice of terrorists." Berlin will not be able to ignore the fact that the Syrian policy of NATO member Turkey until now has clearly strengthened Islamist terrorist organizations.

- How will the relations between the West and Russia change after this incident?

- Despite existing contradictions in the interests of Turkey and the United States, the two countries are unanimous that Assad should be removed from power as soon as possible. Russia, on the contrary, intervened in the conflict on the side of the Syrian government. In this regard, Ankara is not interested in the emergence of a Russian-Western alliance, one of the consequences of which can be an extension of the reign of Assad in Syria. The current tensions between NATO member Turkey and Russia, from the Turkish position, are certainly advantageous. The West will have to decide on its priorities: Assad's overthrow or fight against the most dangerous terrorist group on the planet, which has already transfered its terror to European capitals, and carries out terrorist acts around the world on an almost daily basis. The fight against Islamic State can be implemented only in cooperation with Russia. President Putin responded to the Turkish position quite moderately, which is the right decision. Unlike the EU, which imposed sanctions against Russia because of Ukraine, Moscow will hardly impose sanctions against Turkey, because they would inflict a serious blow on Russia itself. Russian policy always serves to ensure its own national interests, and it is absolutely predictable if you identify these interests.

- Can Baku play a positive role in the current situation?

- Despite the current tensions in relations between Ankara and Moscow, in my view, a return to the friendly relations between them cannot be excluded, and, in principle, both countries should strive for this, because it will bring economic and political benefits for both sides. It's safe to say that Putin reacted mildly for this reason: he is aware of the long-term strategic interests of Russia. Now, first of all, it's up to Erdogan, who must reconsider about how Islamic State and the fundamentalist terrorist groups, because of their ideology alone, pose a threat to stability and security of Turkey. Their plans for the establishment of a caliphate will not stop at the Turkish border. With this in mind, Azerbaijan can receive a fundamental mediatory role, because it supports close relations with Russia and Turkey equally. Baku would be an ideal partner to calm the crisis between Moscow and Ankara. Azerbaijan undoubtedly has the necessary diplomatic instincts for it.