Time for a Demonstrated Show of American Support for the New Pro-American Government in Turkey

A new government, led by Mesut Yilmaz of the Motherland Party, is set to take power in Turkey. This is a welcome opportunity for the United States to forge a renewed partnership with this vital ally. The Republic of Turkey, an American friend and NATO ally for more than 50 years, has opted to remain firmly in the Western family of nations. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) welcomes this new government, as it is composed of stalwart supporters of close ties to the United States and increasingly supportive of Turkey’s blossoming cooperative relationship with Israel.

A new government, led by Mesut Yilmaz of the Motherland Party, is set to take power in Turkey. This is a welcome opportunity for the United States to forge a renewed partnership with this vital ally. The Republic of Turkey, an American friend and NATO ally for more than 50 years, has opted to remain firmly in the Western family of nations. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) welcomes this new government, as it is composed of stalwart supporters of close ties to the United States and increasingly supportive of Turkey’s blossoming cooperative relationship with Israel.

The former government, led by the Islamist Refah Party, attempted to lead Turkey away from a society framed by the constitutionally mandated principles of democracy and secularism. The former government forged ties with rogue states and the former prime minister personally engaged in activities expressly prohibited by Turkish law.

Now is the time for America to reach out to the new government in Ankara and put our relationship on a positive track. The Republic of Turkey is a strategic partner for stability in a turbulent and increasingly important region. Turkey’s positive influence in Central Asia is counterweight to Islamic fundamentalism exported from Iran.

One item that demands immediate attention is President Clinton’s promise to Turkish President Demirel more than a year-and-a-half ago to transfer three surplus U.S. Navy frigates to Turkey. The transfer has not yet occurred because of Congressional foot dragging. But the Turks have spent more than $40 million in anticipation of their timely delivery. America must clearly demonstrate to the freedom-loving pro-Western people of Turkey that the United States is a friend they can count on.