President Obama on Monday reiterated his position that the US is not interested in setting up a no-fly zone or safe zone on the Turkish border with Syria, an idea floated by several lawmakers and Turkish officials. Obama, during a press conference at the G20 Summit in Turkey, said that while those calling for a no-fly zone or safe zone “are well meaning,” those options are not on the table for the US at this time. A safe zone would require extensive planning and discussion, and it has been determined it would be counterproductive. “Who would come in, who could come out of that safe zone; how would it work; would it become a magnet for further terrorist attacks; and how many personnel would be required, and how would it end? There’s a whole set of questions that have to be answered there,” Obama said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said last week he is pushing for a no-fly zone, and that allies are warming to the idea. Coalition spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren, however, said on Nov. 13 that it is “not the right time for a safe zone or a no-fly zone.” (See also Senators Push for Syria No-Fly Zone.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.