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2018-08-14 The Grand Turk

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Posted by 3dc 2018-08-14 09:49|| || Front Page|| [6 views ] Top
File under: Sublime Porte

#1 The American/Turkish alliance has been dead for a while. Erdogan is going full islamic military dictatorship and state. I do disagree that the US is suddenly leaving the ME. While we might leave Turkey, I can't see our leaders giving up the rest of the area especially with Russia and Iran trying to move in again.

Turkey might bounce back, but there is no guarantee of it or it becoming a regional power. If it takes Iran's path, it will see its power diminished as it will not only be more isolated from the west, but it will be clashing with Iran and the other powers in the area for control.

Posted by DarthVader 2018-08-14 10:00|| 2018-08-14 10:00|| Front Page Top

#2 The good pastor has been quietly tending his flock in a quiet corner of Turkey for over two decades without any significant issues until his recent arrest, if I understand correctly. He was taken up by the authorities strictly to be traded for Fethullen Gulen in the time-honoured Moslem way seen also in Iran, only President Trump is refusing to play. I suspect more Americans and other Westerners will be collected for the purpose until the president either gives in or does something drastic to demonstrate to Sultin Erdogan I that he needs to make much better choices. I would suggest destroying a public wing of his fancy new palace, though that’s not at all diplomatic.

Posted by trailing wife 2018-08-14 11:55|| 2018-08-14 11:55|| Front Page Top

#3 Why the public wing? Private would one would be a much better target.

Posted by 3dc 2018-08-14 13:25|| 2018-08-14 13:25|| Front Page Top

#4 First round as a warning, 3dc. We can actually threaten Erdogan’s sleeping arrangements the next time. Besides, the public spaces are seen by the public — ever so much more embarrassing.

Posted by trailing wife 2018-08-14 13:31|| 2018-08-14 13:31|| Front Page Top

#5 The entire reason we had Turkey in NATO in the first place was to flank Russia. Thus in Operation Barbarossa Part 2 we can flank them and present them with two avenues of advance: one from NATO territory in Europe and one from Turkey into the Caucasus. Thus we avoid the mistakes of the Nazis.

Posted by Herb McCoy 2018-08-14 13:49|| 2018-08-14 13:49|| Front Page Top

#6 Anybody who invades Russia makes a mistake, Herb.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2018-08-14 13:53|| 2018-08-14 13:53|| Front Page Top

#7 Actually the Trump administration did play, though 'playing' was a mistake in this instance.

Brunson was supposed to be freed in exchange for Israel releasing a Turkish Hamas operative. Ms Hamas was then freed, Brunson wasn't.

Erdogan simply refused to honor his obligation. He altered the deal and told Trump to pray that he wouldn't alter it further.

Posted by Elmerert Hupens2660 2018-08-14 14:06|| 2018-08-14 14:06|| Front Page Top

#8 "America is less the bull in the china shop and more the flamethrower pointing at a house of cards."

Posted by 3dc 2018-08-14 17:16|| 2018-08-14 17:16|| Front Page Top

#9 Turkey’s long history and relatively diversified, robust economy makes it the only power touching the Middle East that is capable, stable, reliable and whose assistance doesn’t generate more problems than it solves.

Bullshit. Jordan is a better ally, and perhaps Egypt if things keep getting better.

Posted by Frank G 2018-08-14 20:21|| 2018-08-14 20:21|| Front Page Top

#10 Egypt is doing surprisingly well, all things considered. Or better than I expected, at any rate.

What I don't get is why Erdy punked Trump on the hostage swap. Sure, there is some short-term gloating, but there is a long-term downside to pissing off one of the big dogs. And what ever happened to honor among thieves?

Posted by SteveS 2018-08-14 20:36|| 2018-08-14 20:36|| Front Page Top

#11 Actually the Trump administration did play,

You’re right and I should have remembered, Elmerert Hupens2660.

Posted by trailing wife 2018-08-14 23:02|| 2018-08-14 23:02|| Front Page Top

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