OPINION:
Turkey is a member of NATO and for many years was both an ally and good friend of the United States. Unfortunately, that is no longer true (“Turkey criticizes US freeze on Venezuela assets,” Web, Aug. 9). In the past Turkey was a victim and constantly afraid of further Russian aggression. As a result, it was a reliable ally in fighting against communist expansion. It helped us significantly during the Korean War. But it betrayed us during the Gulf War, when it reneged on a pledge and forced our military to attack Kuwait only from the south. While our victory was quick, it would have been even faster had Turkey kept its promise.
Recently Turkey purchased state-of-the-art Russian anti-aircraft missiles. President Trump warned against it. He then canceled the sale of American state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This was done because Turkey with their newfound friend Russia might be able to improve the effectiveness of those Russian-400 missiles once they have those missiles and jets in hand.
Politically, Turkey has supported Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, both terrorist organizations. Turkey’s relations with Israel have gone from good to strained and its relations with Greece, a Christian nation friendly to the United States, have worsened. In addition, it has upped the volume on its denial of genocide against more than a million Armenian Christians during and following World War I. In short, under the current government Turkey is no longer our friend and cannot be trusted.
The problem is now that the Turkey is reportedly poised to help the Islamic State in northern Syria in an area controlled by Kurdish forces and a few American allies. America has an obligation to prevent the Islamic State’s return to power and to ensure Kurdish soldiers who faithfully stood by us are not murdered.
ARTHUR HORN
Boca Raton, Fla.
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