A bipartisan group of U.S. House members has proposed legislation to redesignate Turkey as a Middle Eastern country, reflecting its shift from Western alliances to adversarial relationships. This initiative aims to convey objections to Turkey’s support for Hamas and hostile actions toward allies, highlighting an increasing authoritarian and anti-Western stance. The legislation includes a requirement for the State Department to report on the implications of Turkey’s move away from Europe.
Recently, a bipartisan assembly of House members introduced legislation to officially recognize Turkey as a Middle Eastern country, departing from its previous designation as a European country. This initiative aims to convey a decisive message regarding Turkey’s shift away from Western alliances towards relationships with adversarial nations, such as Russia, China, and Iran. The lead sponsors of the bill, Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), assert that this change reflects Turkey’s evolving stance and diminished ties with Europe and the United States.
The supporting statement of the bill emphasizes significant changes in Turkey’s diplomatic and military engagements, highlighting its support for Hamas and hostile actions toward Greece and Cyprus, which counter Western security interests. Additionally, it highlights Turkey’s growing authoritarianism and a distinctly anti-Western attitude, indicating a withdrawal from European aspirations, further prompting this legislative action. The redesignation would categorize Turkey alongside nations like Iran, Syria, and Libya.
Representative Schneider remarked on Turkey’s position, emphasizing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s alignment with adversarial groups and actions that undermine NATO unity, asserting, “It’s time for American diplomacy to stop pretending that Turkey is still part of Europe.” The bill, introduced under the auspices of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance, seeks to hold Erdoğan’s administration accountable for actions perceived as detrimental to American interests and international law.
Representative Bilirakis stressed the need for U.S. foreign policy to reflect the realities created by Erdoğan’s government, which he claims exacerbates instability in the region. This proposed legislation also calls for the State Department to report to Congress regarding Turkey’s distancing from its European allies, following a recent congressional hearing expressing concern over Turkey’s role in the U.S. alliance system.
The bill is backed by co-sponsors including Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
The introduction of this bill marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy toward Turkey, indicating a recognition of the changing geopolitical landscape. With broad bipartisan support, lawmakers are urging a reassessment of Turkey’s role within NATO and its alignment with Western interests. As Turkey continues to strengthen its ties with rival nations while distancing itself from the West, it remains to be seen how this proposed redesignation will influence future diplomatic relations and regional stability.
Original Source: jewishinsider.com
