ANALYSIS/OPINION:

Turkey is a member of NATO and for many years was both an ally and a good friend of the United States. Unfortunately that is no longer true. Sadly, during the past 20 years the influence of Islamist leaders have changed the course of Turkey and most recently unjustifiably damaged religious freedom in that nation.

A Christian pastor was recently released from a Turkish prison under pressure from the United States, but is now confined to house arrest. President Trump responded with strong economic sanctions and the Turkish economy is suffering greatly. I believe those sanctions are completely justified.

In the past Turkey was a victim and constantly afraid of further Russian aggression. As a result it was a reliable ally in fighting against communist expansion. It helped us significantly during the Korean War. Its downward turn can be seen in its betrayal during the Gulf War. The American strategy was to attack Iraq from Kuwait in the south and Turkey from the north. Just before hostilities began, Turkey backed out and forced our military to attack only from the south. While our victory was quick, it would have been even faster had Turkey kept its promise.

Politically Turkey has supported Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, both terrorist organizations. Turkey’s relations with Israel have gone from good to strained, and its relations with Greece, a Christian nation friendly to the United States, have worsened.

In addition, Turkey has upped the volume on its denial of genocide against more than 1 million Armenian Christians during and following World War I. In short, under the current government Turkey is no longer our friend.

ARTHUR HORN

Boca Raton, Fla.

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