Trump invested in Erdogan the way he invested in Netanyahu, brought him into civilian activity in Gaza, half-rebuked the Israeli prime minister in front of the cameras (“Erdogan is my friend, Bibi understands that”), and even announced that he would sell him F-35s, just like Israel.

Well, other F-35s are now starring in the skies of the Middle East. Turkey’s ruler thought Trump consulted him every step of the way, and yet a respectable regional war organized itself without him being in the loop. The man who presides over what is considered the most intimidating army in the Middle East discovered—along with the whole world—the capabilities and power of the Israeli Air Force and intelligence services, and the depth of cooperation with the U.S. military. Erdogan saw, and was astonished.

“Erdogan saw, and was astonished.”