Despite that fact that Turkey’s agenda is currently dominated by the recent local elections, we should not lose sight of the U.S. administration’s anti-Turkey messages.
The hostile rhetoric Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used at the 70th Anniversary of NATO summit, whose main aim is “unity,” is also worth pondering.
The question is whether the ultimatum and threats directed at Turkey have in any way affected its decade-long search for an air defense system. The answer is no. On the contrary, President Erdoğan met Russian President Vladimir Putin last Monday, their third meeting this year, and informed the media that the second phase of S-400 procurement was on their agenda.
The most accurate response to this issue came undoubtedly from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. He said all NATO states hold the sovereign right to decide what weapons to purchase. Stoltenberg also refused to make a personal evaluation of Turkey’s decision to procure S-400s, saying that sharing his views would only complicate the issue further. President Erdoğan was affirmative about Stoltenberg’s statements regarding showing respect to Allies’ existing rights.
The first resolution aims to put sanctions on Turkish authorities due to the arrest of several Turkish citizens working at U.S. diplomatic missions for their connection with the coup attempt in Turkey.
This resolution demanded the US administration sanction Turkish high-ups, ban them from entering the U.S. and freeze all their assets due to what they call “unlawful detainment” of these individuals. The draft resolution was presented to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe by Republican Sen. Roger Wicker and Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin.
On the other hand, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff presented another resolution that states, “The House of Representatives should recognize the Armenian Genocide and commemorate it as part of U.S. policy.” Concurrently, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz also issued a draft resolution at the U.S. Senate.
Since the coup up until this point, the U.S. regularly and orderly provided military training and provided equipment to the terror organization that attacked Turkey. From travel bans to economic sanctions and through threats as well as pressure from the U.S. Congress all options were pursued on their part. They tried all methods and means to indirectly. And this only worsened the situation. This only pushed Turkey closer to Russia. What is even worse is the fact that there is a U.S. administration that does not know how to communicate with the Turks. I am sure this trend in relations will ultimately backfire since the U.S. has not been able to appoint an ambassador to Turkey in over two years.
Source: Daily Sabah
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