I can't say how close Merkel and Erdogan are atm but I doubt it is that close and France is well able to handle herself militarily within the boundaries of continental Europe.

I suspect this latest spat will be decided one way or the other through trade terms.

Oh I'm sure the Fuehrer and Erdogan aren't that friendly in fact I'd say she is too timid to be an equal as it appears Erdogan is running the show. His recent threats of war were just sabre rattling to get what he wanted at negotiations and primarily to make himself look good to the Islamic world. From what I understand he is stopping the flow of refugees on his side of the border but it seems he managed to strong arm Germany into paying for it. :haha:



https://www.dw.com/en/opinion-merkel...ain/a-52144093

I believe the agreed sum was 6 billion Euro, the first 3 billion having already been paid and the second 3 billion is due next month.

While I am late to the party Kavkaz happens every four years. Next year people would discuss how Zapad-2021 is a pretext for invasion of Poland or something.