US Congress convenes with Turkey on the agenda: Emphasis on 'Neo-Ottoman ambitions'
In a session held at the US House of Representatives, Turkey's position within NATO and its regional policies were discussed in detail. While Turkey's stance on Ukraine received praise, its Syria policy and relations with Russia were criticized.
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The US House Foreign Affairs Committee held a session to evaluate Turkey's role in NATO and its relations with the US. In the session titled 'Turkey Between East and West,' topics such as Turkey's alignment with NATO goals, its relations with Russia and Iran, its Syria policy, and energy security were put on the table.
Opening the session, Republican Representative Keith Self questioned Turkey's place in NATO, stating, ''Our goal is to examine Turkey's role in NATO.'' Self noted that Turkey has taken steps in recent years that do not align with the alliance's goals and criticized the Erdoğan administration's role in Syria.
Democratic Representative Bill Keating drew attention to Turkey's Ukraine policy and its role in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Keating stated that Turkey has displayed a principled stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Expressing that this stance should be appreciated, Keating also emphasized that Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air defense system and delays regarding NATO expansion have complicated relations with the US.
COMMENTS ON TURKEY FROM CONGRESS MEMBERS
Republican Joe Wilson recalled the role Turkey played against communism during the Cold War, stating that its partnership with the US contributed to freedom and democracy. However, Democrat Dina Titus expressed that Turkey's foreign policy creates the impression of being shaped by 'Neo-Ottoman ambitions' and that this situation poses a risk to US interests in the region.
Anna Borschevskaya from the Washington Institute stated that the US should develop alternative energy projects with Turkey, which could reduce dependency on Russia.
Jonathan Schanzer from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies alleged that Turkey supported jihadist groups during the civil war in Syria and provided financial aid to Hamas and Hezbollah. He said such policies complicate Turkey's position in international relations.
It was stated in the session that Turkey's role within NATO and the future of its strategic relations with the US would be shaped, in particular, by how it balances its relations with Russia and Iran. Some Congress members emphasized that Turkey's regional policies pose a challenge for Washington and that relations should be monitored carefully.