Pompeo Questions Turkey's Geopolitical Loyalty at Cyprus Forum
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sharply criticized Turkey's foreign policy and defense stance during an economic forum in Cyprus. He focused on what he perceives as Ankara's diverging geopolitical position from its role as a NATO ally.
Concerns Over Turkey’s Dual Alliances
Pompeo expressed concern about Turkey's efforts to maintain strong diplomatic and military ties with both NATO members and Russia simultaneously. He described this dual alignment as fundamentally conflicting with Western security standards.
“Western powers have been unsuccessful in persuading Ankara that NATO membership and ownership of Russian weapons represent incompatible positions that compromise alliance security.”
Controversial Military Decisions
Pompeo highlighted Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system as a critical issue. This move led to Turkey’s removal from the US-led F-35 fighter jet program, reflecting deep mistrust regarding Ankara’s defense commitments.
The Cyprus Dispute and Accountability
On the ongoing Cyprus conflict, Pompeo assigned responsibility for stalled negotiations primarily to Turkish leadership, implying their reluctance has hindered progress.
Author’s Summary
Pompeo’s comments underscore skepticism about Turkey’s reliability as a NATO ally due to its simultaneous engagement with Russia, which challenges Western security and regional stability.