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goes by without lawmakers discussing the Russian “threat” in very grave tones. That’s when discussing impeachment—a TV “reality” show. But when it comes to discussing the true reality of Russian misbehavior, they are silent. On Capitol Hill they are also contemplating measures

to destroy the Turkish economy and expel Turkey from NATO, because Turkey is supposedly “a Trojan Horse” for Putin. But all that stands between the civilians of Idlib, including millions of refugees, and Putin/Assad’s “counterterrorism” is the Turkish military.

If Capitol Hill were interested in bringing its actions into even a loose connection to the values it celebrates when performing in its reality TV show, it might suggest working with our ally Turkey to impose a no-fly zone on Idlib. That would stop the killing and wouldn’t cost

an American life. It might also go some distance to repair relations with Turkey and make Ankara more receptive to other US concerns. But that is a practical idea, a pragmatic suggestion. It won’t earn anyone a headline in the reality TV that is our politics.

But it would improve the US strategic posture. Remember when everyone screamed “Iranian land bridge alert” when Trump pulled back the troops in NE Syria? Wouldn’t a US-Turkish no-fly zone in Idlib be a great way to work against Iran?