A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Reps. Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis, is introducing legislation to reclassify Turkey as a Near Eastern country due to its growing ties with adversarial nations. The Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act seeks to formally change Turkey’s designation at the State Department and address concerns regarding Ankara’s behavior, especially under President Erdogan. The bill calls for a reassessment of Turkey’s diplomatic status and a congressional review of its implications.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House is proposing new legislation that aims to redesignate Turkey as a Near Eastern country, rather than as a European one, at the State Department. This change reflects Turkey’s recent shift away from its alliances with the United States and NATO, fostering closer ties with nations such as Russia, China, Iran, and Hamas, which conflict with Western security interests.
The Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act, led by Representatives Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis, seeks this formal reclassification within the U.S. State Department. “Turkey is at a crossroads, but Erdogan has made his choice,” Schneider asserted, highlighting concerns over Turkey harboring Hamas operatives and undermining NATO unity while still seeking the privileges of a Western ally.
Rep. Bilirakis emphasized that President Erdogan’s conduct has increasingly contradicted American interests and contributed to regional instability. He advocated for a U.S. foreign policy that reflects the realities of Turkey’s actions, suggesting that Erdogan should be held accountable for his government’s behavior.
The Turkish government has refuted Congress’s characterization of its foreign policy, stressing that its European identity remains an undeniable aspect of its historical and geopolitical context. A Turkish embassy official stated, “Türkiye’s European identity is an undeniable historical and geostrategic fact,” asserting Turkey’s integral role in NATO and various European institutions.
Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, warned that Turkey has increasingly acted against U.S. interests, exhibiting behavior characteristic of an adversary. He pointed to Turkey’s support for Middle Eastern terrorist groups and the manipulation of NATO processes to achieve its own ends, such as demanding the sale of F-16s for support on new NATO admissions.
Turkey’s relationship with Russia has notably intensified, particularly during the Ukraine conflict, where Turkey has purchased the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. While other NATO members imposed sanctions on Russia, Turkey maintained its economic ties and energy dependencies with the country.
The proposed legislation mandates that the State Department reassess Turkey’s diplomatic status within 90 days and prepare a congressional review regarding the implications of its realignment away from Europe. Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, praised the bipartisan initiative, stating it is essential for the State Department to engage with Ankara based on its current reality.
In conclusion, the proposed Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act reflects growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers regarding Turkey’s shifting geopolitical stance and diminishing alignment with Western values and interests. The bill seeks to reclassify Turkey at the State Department, highlighting the need for U.S. foreign policy to accurately reflect Turkey’s role as it strengthens ties with adversarial nations. As Turkey continues to engage with entities contrary to U.S. interests, the proposed legislation represents a significant move towards holding Ankara accountable for its actions.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
