Experts are saying not to expect the downing of a Russian fighter jet by Turkey to spark a war.
Speculation about the situation started almost immediately, with many online wondering whether it would lead to a bigger clash--perhaps a “World War 3.”
But both sides seem compelled not to take further action, for different reasons.
“I suspect neither Moscow nor, at the very least, the other European NATO powers will want to let this go too far. Russia cannot fight hot diplomatic wars on too many fronts, and Europe clearly wants Moscow to be part of the solution in Syria and maybe Ukraine, too. And, frankly, there is in many capitals concern about Turkey, its agenda and its role in the region,” wrote Russia expert Mark Galeotti, who currently teaches at New York University, on his blog.
“Much will depend on where Washington falls, of course, but if Moscow can get even a crumb of contrition from Ankara or sympathy from Europe, then we can expect this to be splashed on Russian TV and allow the Kremlin to let this slide a little.”
