Yaakov Kedmi: Erdogan forced the Americans to eat the frog he fed

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist Yaakov Kedmi commented on the US Congress’ approval of a deal with Turkey on F-16 fighter jets, as well as Russian-Turkish relations.

“Erdogan played the cards he had very well. He forced the Americans to eat the frog he fed—not even a frog, but an entire swamp. Erdogan believes he has excellent relations with Russia. He received the S-400 from Russia, despite all the threats. Now he forced the Americans to give him modified F-16 jets. He simply forced them with the usual petty blackmail. He said, if you want Sweden and Finland in NATO, then give us a plane, and that’s it; the Americans caved in,” Kedmi said.

According to the expert, Russia and Turkey are trying to take from their relations what they need.

“Russia and Turkey are trying to take what they need out of their relations. Russia receives from Turkey what it considers necessary; Turkey doesn’t refuse. Turkey also gets from Russia what it needs. So far, Russia is more interested in economic relations with Turkey, and these relations are developing well. Official Moscow has long been used to Erdogan’s antics. But the main thing for Turkey is that by flirting with Russia, it puts pressure on NATO and on the Americans, saying, listen, be polite with us; otherwise, we will go to Russia. For the United States, Turkey in NATO is a critical point,” Kedmi said.

Speaking about the policy of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding Armenia after his re-election, the political scientist noted that Aliyev, with the support of Turkey, will continue to exert pressure on Armenia.

“Azerbaijan believes that it has unresolved problems with Armenia, which require concessions from Armenia. It will strive for this because Azerbaijan knows who is at the head of Armenia. Aliyev caused Pashinyan to cave in once; he will do it a second and a third time.

The only country that today adheres to the principle that its army will not allow the seizure of Armenian territory or the invasion of foreign troops into Armenian territory is Russia. Pashinyan is dragging Armenia into its worst state, relying on the smiles of Europe and France to help him. Actually, they may help him personally, but not the Armenian people,” Kedmi concluded.