Sanctions against NATO ally Turkey

Sanctions against NATO ally Turkey

By Mian Iftikhar ul hassan

Turkey got Russian made Missile system last year which escalated relations of US and Turkey. US authorities warn Turkey even at a time when it is trying to get missile system (S-400) from Russia.  US point of view is that after the purchase of S-400 missile system, Turkey had endangered US military technology as well as it become the cause to generate substantial funds for the Russian Defense system.  The sanctions main target is Turkey’s weapons procurement sector. Here it is also necessary to keep in mind that US already had kicked Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet program over the purchase of the Russian-made missile system. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

"Turkey nevertheless decided to move ahead with the procurement and testing of the S-400, despite the availability of alternative, NATO-interoperable systems to meet its defense requirements. He further said that "I urge Turkey to resolve the S-400 problem immediately in co-ordination with the United States," he said. "Turkey is a valued ally and an important regional security partner for the United States, and we seek to continue our decades-long history of productive defense-sector co-operation by removing the obstacle of Turkey's S-400 possession as soon as possible."

The sanctions target Turkey's Defense Industries Directorate president Ismail Demir, and three other employees. They include a ban on US export licenses, as well a freeze on any assets that are in US jurisdictions. On the other hand Turkey had swiftly reacted against sanctions and said that US should reconsider this issue. They have also made it clear that Turkey is ready to address this issue through dialogue and diplomacy. Turkey is a member of NATO and has second largest army in NATO. It is one of the US's key allies, and is located in a strategic position, sharing borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.

It has also played an important role in the Syria conflict, providing arms and military support to some rebel groups. However, it has seen relations deteriorate with some Nato members and the EU, who have accused Mr. Erdogan of adopting an increasingly authoritarian style following a failed coup in 2016. Turkey is playing important and strategic role in the region. US is also aware about it. Russia also wants penetration in the region. If we talk about S-400 Missile system. It is a Long-range surveillance radar tracks objects and relays information to command vehicle, which assesses potential targets. It can identified target and command vehicle orders, Launch data are sent to the best placed launch vehicle and it releases surface-to-air. Engagement radar helps guide missiles towards target. On the other hand The Trump administration offered Raytheon’s Patriot missile system on multiple occasions to Turkey as an alternative to the Russian system, but the deal fell through when Ankara insisted the U.S. also share the sensitive missile technology associated with the system. “President Trump himself has admitted on several instances that Turkey’s acquisition was justified,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. International media has previously reported on the close relationship between President Donald Trump and president recap Tayyab Erdogan. The State Department declined to comment on the internal deliberations surrounding the decision when asked if punitive actions had been delayed to avoid antagonizing Erdogan. With the passage of time rift between US and Turkey is increasing. Several other countries can also become the part of this conflict. Iran has already announced to be the partner of Turkey. Pakistan has also rejected sanctions against Turkey. It means this matter can become cause of any big clash in future. That Critics of international affairs declaring it a big danger for the region. But Turkey is determined on its position. Turkish president’s comments are revealing the situation in coming years. He said In his first public comments on the move, Erdogan said problems stemming from the sanctions would be overcome and vowed to ramp up efforts towards an independent defense industry, while criticizing Washington for punishing a NATO ally.

“What kind of alliance is this? What kind of partnership is this? This decision is an open hostile attack on our country’s sovereign rights,” he said in a televised address.

“The real goal is to block the advances our country started in the defense industry recently and to once again render us absolutely dependent on them (United States).

“Surely there will be problems, but each problem will push open a door for us for a solution.”