By Roger N. McDermott, Eurasia Daily Monitor: "Since Moscow’s military intervention in Syria, expert attention has intermittently turned to the role played by Russian special forces in this theater of operations."
Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has announced that a group of Turkish military specialists has arrived in Russia to receive training on the S-400 missile defense system. Akar added that Ankara has received a new proposal from the United States for its Patriot missile system and is now in talks over price, transfer and joint production. Washington has suspended Turkey's participation in the F-35 fighter jet program over Ankara's pending purchase of the S-400.
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Turkey Plans to Manufacture Russia's S-500 Air Defense
By Joseph Trevithick, The WarZone: “Turkish President Recep Erdogan says his country will cooperate on the production of Russia's S-500 surface-to-air missile system, a move that is sure to draw new criticism from the United States and its other fellow NATO members."
(Asia Times) It depends on which Russian publication you believe – TASS or Sputnik – on whether Iraq may be buying the Russian advanced S-400 air-defense system. But no matter whether they buy the system today or tomorrow, it is clear Iraq is heading that way.
Major Strategic Implications If Iraq Gets S-400
By Stephen Bryen, Asia Times: "It depends on which Russian publication you believe – TASS or Sputnik – on whether Iraq may be buying the Russian advanced S-400 air-defense system. But no matter whether they buy the system today or tomorrow, it is clear Iraq is heading that way."
Philip Kowalski writes: While Erdoğan’s successes and failures with the Arab world have been much documented, his budding relationship with Pakistan could help make up for his losses elsewhere. With similar security concerns regarding foreign enemies and domestic insurgencies and a shared insecurity regarding military coups, Pakistan and Turkey are well placed to build closer ties in areas ranging from trade to culture. Should the proposed Istanbul peace talks or the FTA come to fruition, the Pakistani-Turkish relationship could take on even greater significance for both countries. – Middle East Institute
Despite the gains Turkey believes it's made through growing its relations with Russia, the two countries' priorities in Syria are anything but aligned.