In Ankara
The Russian ambassador in Turkey was killed in Ankara today.
A gunman in Turkey wearing a business suit and tie opened fire Monday on Russia’s ambassador, killing the diplomat and wounding several others at photo exhibit in the Turkish capital, officials said. The gunman was killed as panicked people scattered for cover in the gallery.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. But video posted on social media purported to show a Turkish-speaking attacker decrying violence in Syria, where Russia is a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
…
Russia and Turkey, a foe of Assad, recently joined to broker a deal to evacuate civilians and rebel fighters from the last opposition enclaves in Aleppo, a major Syrian city that has been under relentless attacks from Syrian forces and their allies.
“Allah Akbar! Do not forget Aleppo!” said the gunman, according to the widely circulated video. “Do not forget Syria! Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria! As long as our lands are not safe, you will not be safe!
The authenticity of the video could not be independently confirmed.
Meanwhile, in Sarajevo, Archduke Franz-Ferdinand stepped into his car…
“Allah Akbar! Do not forget Aleppo!” said the gunman, according to the widely circulated video. “Do not forget Syria! Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria! As long as our lands are not safe, you will not be safe!
And no doubt that Coptic Cathedral in Egypt was bombed last week for exactly the same reasons.
I wouldn’t spend too much time on this seeings a Christmas Market in Berlin has just been attacked by a jihadist driving a truck.
He no doubt did so out of frustration for not being able to find La Promenade des Anglais.
Aleppo, Christmas, church bells, the wrong length of beard, women with naked ankles, mass sexual assault… who are we to judge the moral imperatives of those humbly intent on doing god’s work?
And just to do my bit to keep the madness going ( whilst signaling my virtue!), please don’t try and tell me this has anything whatsoever to do with Islam.
Don’t worry Ophelia, modern diplomats and governments are professionals, quite unlike the aristocratic dilettantes who sleepwalked Europe into the First World War.
With Trump, Putin and Erdogan in charge there’s nothing to worry about.
We’re doomed.
@ RJW don’t forget Boris.
guest,
Well, if you’re referring to Boris Johnson, I’d say that he’s relatively harmless, like the UK. The Great Game has other players these days.