Washington Wants to Make Türkiye a Counterbalance Against Russia and China

The Turkish newspaper *Aydınlık* has revealed that U.S. decision-making centers want to make Türkiye a counterbalance to Washington against Russia and China.

The newspaper stated: "Do these two NATO allies have a common stance on Israel's unrestrained aggression, or do they have a common stance on the sanctions against Russia, which is one of Türkiye's most important trading partners?"

It questioned: "Where is the common stance between Ankara and Washington in their policies towards Russia, which is a major ally for Türkiye in combating Atlantic threats?"

The newspaper noted that political centers in Washington are now exploring how Türkiye can fill the vacuum created after the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and Syria.

It added: "Türkiye will start to play the role of the United States in dividing Syria and will become a counterbalance against Iran and Russia in Iraq and Syria. Moreover, on a broader scale, Türkiye should act on behalf of the United States against Russia and China in Africa and Central Asia."

The newspaper also questioned the reasons behind Ankara's pursuit of a "new phase" in relations with the United States.

It stated: "On one hand, there is the national security policy that Türkiye needs, and on the other hand, there is Ankara's policy aimed at harmonizing relations with the United States. There are no conditions for this contradiction to continue."

Earlier, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass announced that Türkiye and the United States are "on the threshold of a new phase" in their relationship, starting from a return to basics, including mutual defense.

May 13, 2024