Saturday 23 January 2021

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANIAN






 The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken gave the first suspicion about the attitude that the Biden administration will take regarding Turkey, in the hearing before the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee.  His approach was clearly critical; however, the relationship is complicated and any conclusions would be premature. 


In his first official statement, Blinken said it was "unacceptable"  for a "so-called strategic partner of ours to buy the S-400 missiles and be in line with one of our biggest strategic competitors in Russia."  The Biden administration will follow the carrot-and stick policy, criticising Turkey but also trying to keep it aligned with the West.



The climate is not favourable for Turkey, especially concerning the Kurds, since President Biden is one of their most ardent supporters.   


The critical attitude of the chief American diplomat, Anthony Blinken, sends strong messages for further sanctions against Turkey which will be imposed by the USA if the present ones do not produce the desired results.




Democratic Senator, Bob Menendez, pointed out Turkey's aggressive behaviour in the eastern Mediterranean "against our Democratic allies like Greece and Cyprus". 


"Turkey is an ally that is acting as an ally shouldn't. This is a very significant challenge for us and we are very determined about it," Mr Bliken said.








The Biden administration wants to cooperate with Ankara, but for this to happen Turkey must change its aggressive behaviour against Greece, Cyprus and Israel.






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