Turkey has been an ongoing menace in the region, as well as a global threat. It is mystifying that Turkey remains part of NATO, considering that it is in reality an enemy of NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s missions of reviving the Ottoman Empire is directly contrary to the goals and philosophy of the NATO alliance.
Meanwhile, Mehmet Tsavoysoglou’s claim that Greece has “maximalist ambitions” is a classic example of the phenomenon of accusing the other of what you yourself are guilty of doing.
“Turkey gets plucked to pieces at NATO conference,” by Alex Constantine, Greek City Times, December 2, 2020:
In what was described by sources as a fiery confrontation between Turkey and NATO allies at Tuesday’s NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting, the US did not hold back its feelings on Turkey’s change of foreign policy and behaviour.
Specifically, outgoing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted Turkey over its provocative behaviour in the East Med and for purchasing the Russian anti-missile system S-400, actions which he said are contrary to the principles and operation of NATO and ultimately undermine its cohesion.
According to diplomatic sources, Pompeo referred to the provocative actions of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh and to Turkey’s purchase of the Russian anti-missile system S-400 which he described as “a gift to Russia” by a NATO alliance member.
The alliance’s deconfliction mechanism, which is not working because of Turkey, should restart, sources said quoting him.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mehmet Tsavoysoglou protested angrily at the accusations and went off-script during his defence of the Erdogan regime whilst also accusing Greece of having ‘maximalist ambitions’.
Greece rejected the accusation with Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias accusing Turkey of being the main disruptor in the region and demanding that it respect international law….
Chrissie01 says
Set conditions for future membership. If they don’t comply, fire them. Cut all funds and support. Boycott them in each and every aspect.
It is a scandal that a fundamentalist islamic state should enjoy all the amenities of the alliance of the free Western states.
Brian Hoff says
Our sec of state is than lane duck on his way out failure.
deeperinfo says
“Hate” calls Peace Treaties a ‘failure’.
gravenimage says
“Brian Hoff”–really, “DefenderofIslam”–is eager for Biden to give Turkey the green light for oppression and murder.
Joshua Gajownik says
It says that the Greek City Times is from December 12, 2020. Do you mean December 2?
gravenimage says
Fixed!
Infidel says
What’s it about the Trump Administration doing things at the 11th hour (this is assuming that they don’t prevail in their appeals)? A few days ago, it was an invitation to the Tibetan prime minister in exile. Then it was the added sanctions on China. Now finally, on his way out, Pompeo discovers that there’s something wrong w/ Turkey?
The problem ain’t Turkey: it’s NATO!!! They are as relevant as the League of Nations was after WWII. The biggest threat to the world is China, which is not in NATO’s hemisphere! The second is Turkey, and they’re still a NATO member
Also, Pompeo’s accusations didn’t even touch on the fact that Turkey is doing exactly what Iran is doing vis a vis Israel, and that it, like Iran, is in competition for the leadership of the Muslim world. Sure, the latter is irrelevant to us, but the former ain’t. The stage should be set for the US to leave NATO, and let the EU form their European army, and let them decide whether to confront Turkey or climate change
Keith O says
Turkey isn’t the problem for NATO and the rest of the free world, ERDOGAN is the problem.
When a nation has a tinpot dictator running the country, trying to enforce his delusions of adequacy upon the rest of the world, then HE is the real problem.
History has shown us that time and again, basically good countries are being run into the ground by despots. We only have to look at Rumania, Chile, Cuba and Australia under prime minister John Howard.
Get rid of the dictators and the country will have a fighting chance, Turkey is just like this, get rid of Erdogan and islam and the Turkish people might just come back from the brink.
Infidel says
That’s a distinction w/o a difference. The majority of Turks are not Kemalist secularists: they are Erdogan school irredentists, who never really like Kemal’s model of a secular Turkey, and have been very happy about its exploration of its Islamic and Turkic greatness. There is a reason that Erdogan won not only presidential elections but also constitutional elections that gave him more power
History of the Turks was pretty marginal before they Islamized, which is why separating them from islam is about as likely as separating the Arabs from islam. Iran has a better chance, given that it did have an illustrious pre-Islamic history that they can hark back to, from the Medians to the Sassanids
JIMJFOX says
Rumania, Chile, Cuba and Australia under prime minister John Howard.
Australia included in this group?? What have you been smoking Keith O?
Sally Georgia Morris says
Have you read what’s been going on in Australia recently?
Oldschool Patriot says
Have you read what’s been going on in Australia lately? Keep up.
Crusades Were Right says
“Turkey plucked to pieces by Pompeo”
Also, it was fried in Greece! lol
Infidel says
… and delivered on China ?
gravenimage says
Hilarious!
gravenimage says
Turkey plucked to pieces by Pompeo at NATO conference
……………..
Good for Pompeo! But what will happen under Biden?