U.S.-Turkish Relations: Modesty and Revitalization

Given the historic challenges and opportunities facing both the United States and Turkey, it was the time to build on the incredible momentum in the U.S.-Turkish alliance to structurally harness Ankara’s impressive rise and Washington’s appreciation of a critical ally. But there were still misunderstandings and mixed feelings in the West when listening to the confident new Turkish attitude and rhetoric. Ironically, Washington had itself partially to blame for Turkish leader’s pride and self-confidence, continually misreading the mood in Ankara. Washington should stop looking at Turkish foreign policy merely in terms of alignment or drift on specific tactical issues and focus instead on the long-term vision that these democratic allies share.