A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is introducing legislation to redesignate Turkey from a European to a Near Eastern country, reflecting Ankara’s growing ties with adversarial nations. This move responds to concerns about Turkey’s foreign policy under President Erdogan, including support for Hamas and ties to Russia, which contradict Western interests. The legislation mandates a reassessment of Turkey’s diplomatic status and its implications.
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers, led by Representatives Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis, is introducing the Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act. This legislation aims to change Turkey’s designation from a European to a Near Eastern country within the U.S. State Department. This shift reflects Turkey’s increasing alignment with countries like Russia, China, Iran, and Hamas, which conflict with Western security interests.
Rep. Schneider emphasized the need for U.S. diplomacy to address Turkey’s current orientation, stating, “Turkey is at a crossroads, but Erdogan has made his choice.” He criticized the Turkish government for harboring Hamas operatives and undermining NATO unity while still demanding Western ally privileges.
Rep. Bilirakis added that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s actions, which often go against American interests, contribute to regional instability. He stated that it is crucial for U.S. foreign policy to accurately reflect the behavior of what he termed a “hostile regime.”
In response, the Turkish government pushed back against these characterizations, asserting, “Türkiye’s European identity is an undeniable historical and geostrategic fact.” They emphasized their strong membership in NATO and other European institutions.
Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, discussed Turkey’s conduct during a House hearing, noting that it often acts like an adversary to U.S. interests. He cited instances of Turkey supporting terrorist groups and leveraging its NATO status to coerce the U.S. regarding military support.
Erdogan has further solidified ties with Russia, exemplified by Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 missile system, countering NATO’s sanctions against Russia. The proposed legislation mandates that the State Department re-evaluate Turkey’s diplomatic status within 90 days and submit a review of the implications of this realignment over the next five years.
Endy Zemenides of the Hellenic American Leadership Council praised the bipartisan initiative, urging the State Department to adopt a more realistic approach toward Turkey, emphasizing the need for an honest evaluation of U.S. foreign policy that has inadvertently empowered Turkey despite its ambiguous alliance status.
The bipartisan Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act seeks to officially categorize Turkey as a Near Eastern country based on its current geopolitical actions, contrasting with its longstanding designation as a European nation. Key lawmakers argue that Turkey’s alignment with adversarial nations and its behavior contrary to U.S. interests necessitate this shift. Amidst Turkish pushback, the proposed changes aim to hold Turkey accountable and realign U.S. diplomatic strategy to reflect these realities.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
