OPINION:
Based on our recent diplomatic and political problems with Turkey and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I was not surprised to note that three U.S. sailors were recently assaulted in Istanbul — without being aided by the local authorities (“3 U.S. Navy sailors attacked on shore in Turkey — ’Yankee, go home!’” Web, Nov. 12).
Under Mr. Erdogan, Turkey has changed from an ally and friend of the United States into an adversary in the Middle East. Supporting The Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, Turkey has alienated not only Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but certainly Israel, too.
While the government of Turkey has apologized for this recent incident, it is time to re-evaluate our relationship with that nation and downgrade it from “friendly” to “less than favorable.” At the same time, we ought to issue travel warnings for American tourists planning to travel to Turkey.
NELSON MARANS
Silver Spring
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