Along with Bush’s advocacy of Turkey becoming an EU member and Rice’s huggy-kissy with Fatah, I do believe the US is completely inept and incompetent on the diplomatic side of the blotter.
The military rocks, but the State Department seems to be an enemy of the people.
Now, this does ring true.
“Along with Bush’s advocacy of Turkey becoming an EU member and Rice’s huggy-kissy with Fatah, I do believe the US is completely inept and incompetent on the diplomatic side of the blotter.
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Germany in 2002-2003 bought Turkey off. Schroeder counter offered EU membership for Turkey’s rejection of the US offer in aid and loans to allow us use of their land to launch into the North of Iraq in greater mass. The US position is more or less, “Eat the big stinking terd you made.” or, “You wanted it, you should get it, every last Turk!”
There are several things at play here- One Turkey is a NATO member and in the past has worked with us on many issues. Turkey sent troops to Afghanistan, was a player in the Cold War, and we monitored Russian ships in the black sea and everything that squeezed through the Bosporus (Even today). We based nukes there and even today operate Incirlik AFB and have other activities elsewhere from which we support the mission in Iraq etc). We also are backing the Kurds which is indirectly causing problems for the Turks, a nation with which we have major arms deals as well. Us backing Turkey’s entry into the EU is a great way to mend relations with this ally and is a form of pay-back for those who played games and made promises in 2002.