A bipartisan group of House members has introduced legislation to redesignate Turkey as a Middle Eastern country, signaling its shift away from Western alliances toward U.S. adversaries. The bill aims to hold Turkey accountable for its actions against American interests and reinforces concerns about its increasingly anti-Western posture.
A bipartisan coalition of House lawmakers has introduced a bill advocating for the redesignation of Turkey as a Middle Eastern country rather than a European one. This proposal reflects concerns regarding Turkey’s drift from Western alliances towards stronger ties with adversaries of the United States, specifically Russia, China, and Iran.
Lead sponsors of the bill, Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), emphasized that the change signifies a clear acknowledgment of Turkey’s shifting focus away from Europe. The statement indicated this move aligns with Turkey’s increasingly anti-Western actions such as supporting Hamas and engaging in military actions against Greece and Cyprus, which undermine Western security interests.
The redesignation would categorize Turkey similarly to Iran, Syria, and Libya, reinforcing the notion that Turkey has moved away from its European aspirations. Representative Schneider remarked on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s actions, stating, “Turkey is at a crossroads, but Erdoğan has made his choice,” highlighting Erdoğan’s alleged support for Hamas and opposition to NATO unity.
Additionally, Representative Bilirakis pointed out Turkey’s disregard for international law and actions that undermine American interests, urging for U.S. foreign policy to accurately reflect the realities of Erdoğan’s regime. The bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and follows a congressional hearing addressing Turkey’s role in U.S. alliances.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the State Department provide Congress with a report detailing Turkey’s shift away from Europe, seeking to create a more informed understanding of the situation.
In conclusion, the introduction of this legislation serves as a significant step towards formally recognizing Turkey’s changing geopolitical stance. Lawmakers express concern over Turkey’s actions that contradict Western interests, urging a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy to reflect these developments. The outcome of this bill may have profound implications on U.S.-Turkey relations moving forward.
Original Source: jewishinsider.com
