File photo of an Israeli tank in the Golan Heights. Yahoo/AFP.
Israel has shot down a Syrian fighter jet flying near or over the Golan Heights. Yahoo/Reuters. The Israelis fired a Patriot missile at the Sukoi fighter jet, destroying it. It has been reported that the pilot was able to eject. The fighter was most likely striking the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra front who had taken the border town of Quneitra. Syria condemned the attack and claim the fighter had entered Israeli territory by accident. Israel acknowledges the possibility but say that mistake or not it was justified. The Israelis have not shot down a Syrian warplane since 1985.
My Comment:
I'm kind of surprised that Israel did this. From a purely pragmatic viewpoint, you would think they wouldn't have a problem with killing Al-Qaeda linked militants. I know Israel and Syria don't get along in the best of circumstances, but still, Al-Qaeda is a common enemy. Common enemy or not, it doesn't seem like Syria is getting a chance to work with anyone in their war against Islamic extremism. That's what happens when you destroy a secular reform movement.
As for my policy of not covering Israel, in this case it directly contradicts my policy of covering the Syrian Civil War. Israel is directly involved with the conflict and is a major player in the area, so when they shoot down a war plane it's big news. It's worth talking about.
No comments:
Post a Comment