The United States and Turkey might be NATO partners, but a recent Turkish incursion into Syria suggests a clash between the two countries is no longer unthinkable. It’s time for Washington to draw a clear line in the sand over Turkey’s destabilizing behavior, suggest Eric Edelman and Jake Sullivan in Politico EU.
“Washington’s goal should not be confrontation with Ankara for confrontation’s sake, or just because it is ‘mad’ at [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan. Rather the aim should be establishing the conditions — and the ground rules — for constructive engagement,” they write. “To that end, the White House should pair a firm approach with high-level engagement aimed at finding a better path forward. The recent U.S. strikes against pro-Syrian forces that attacked a base of Kurdish and U.S. troops could be used to demonstrate to Turkey American resolve to protect its own and partner forces, but only if expressed in a clear and direct dialogue with Turkish leadership.”
“Ultimately, if Erdoğan is determined to destroy the US-Turkish alliance, there is nothing Trump or anyone can do to stop him. But being clear and consistent about the stakes involved can help ensure that Turkey’s volatile leader does not stumble past the point of no return thinking the United States will not respond. Let’s not wait to use our leverage until it is too late.”
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“Washington’s goal should not be confrontation with Ankara for confrontation’s sake, or just because it is ‘mad’ at [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan. Rather the aim should be establishing the conditions — and the ground rules — for constructive engagement,” they write. “To that end, the White House should pair a firm approach with high-level engagement aimed at finding a better path forward. The recent U.S. strikes against pro-Syrian forces that attacked a base of Kurdish and U.S. troops could be used to demonstrate to Turkey American resolve to protect its own and partner forces, but only if expressed in a clear and direct dialogue with Turkish leadership.”
“Ultimately, if Erdoğan is determined to destroy the US-Turkish alliance, there is nothing Trump or anyone can do to stop him. But being clear and consistent about the stakes involved can help ensure that Turkey’s volatile leader does not stumble past the point of no return thinking the United States will not respond. Let’s not wait to use our leverage until it is too late.”
Back to International Relations
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