What is the likelihood of the U.S. abandoning its relationship with Turkey?
With the recent flare-up in relations between Turkey and the SDF, this is something I thought of. How likely is the U.S. abandoning its relationship with Turkey?
Public opinion in the West is firmly opposed to Turkey and in favor of the Kurds; the SDF has also been a very effective U.S. ally in the fight against ISIL.
Obviously the Incirlik airbase is an important issue - it would be difficult for America to abandon that. But, on the other hand, if America supported an independent Northern Kurdistan, the Incirlik base would probably be located in that new independent state, so America wouldn't have to abandon it. (possible map)
So, might they decide to completely shift their policy regarding Turkey? Basically, support Northern Kurdistan's right to self-determination, take the PKK off the list of terrorist groups, carry out airstrikes against the Turkish military, et cetera.
Northern Kurdistan would surely be a more reliable U.S. ally than Turkey in the region.
Posted Apr 26, 2017, 5:19 PM UTC