America Going Bust Again

NATO Foreign Ministers meetings are underway in Brussels. No, they are not there to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. First, they have to hear what the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has to say.

Will the Biden Administration face yet another dilemma, this time, at the 75th anniversary of NATO? The track record of the 46th Administration shows that, in NATO Summits, Turkiye is able to pull a fast one, and everytime. So then, what are the chances America going bust again in the face of yet another Turkish move?

For example, what about the recent Turkish move on suspending the European conventional arms control treaty (CFE)? The argument is since the US, UK and Germany already suspended it it is only natural Turkiye, a NATO ally, also did it.

However, is this so simple? Turkiye pointed at the fact that when Russia “pulled out” of CFE, it left no choice for Turkiye not to suspend it. In other words, unlike common wisdom of some, Turkish reasoning may not be so obvious. Hence, who is to say Turkiye will not come up with something no one expected in this summit too?

THE EUROPEAN CONVENTIONAL ARMS CONTROL TREATY (CFE)

The CFE Treaty established an agreement aimed at reducing the possibility for major offensive operations in Europe. The CFE tries to achieve it through the reduction of troops and armaments in Central Europe.

It was negotiated during the last years of the Cold War. In 2007, Russia "suspended" its participation in the treaty. On 10 March 2015, citing NATO's alleged de facto breach of the Treaty, Russia formally announced it was "completely" halting its participation.

On 7 November 2023, Russia withdrew from the treaty. In response the United States and its NATO allies suspended their participation in the treaty.

American Going Bust Again

2022 was an “embarrasment” for the Joe Biden Administration at the NATO Summit. 2023 was no less however there was a consolation prize.

Admission of Sweden to NATO was on the table. Yet, Turkiye was smartly delaying the process, effectively showing its will power.

So the question is now, will America face yet another surprise in this NATO Summit.

At this stage, it would be appropriate to call it the Wash DC “nightmare” 2024.

Madrid Summit 2022

The Madrid Summit 2022 became a black mark against America. Turkiye gave an ultimatum. NATO had no answer, except to buckle up.

Vilnius Summit 2023

The Vilnius Summit 2023 was no different. Even though this time there was no “ultimatum” of sorts, there was a strategic move in place from Turkiye.

Wash DC Summit 2024

In light of the Madrid and Vilnius fiascos, why should not there be a nightmarish scenario during the Wash DC Summit? Turkiye now has a lot more cards to play.

America Going Bust Again

A Hint From Hakan Fidan

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has strongly urged NATO members to support Ankara in its fight against terrorism in Brussels.

The foreign minister also warned member countries which have been cooperating with “the terrorist organisation” to cease such activities.

2024 Wash DC NATO Summit & Turkiye

When the NATO Summit takes place in July 2024, what will Turkiye come up with this time? After all, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan caught the Alliance members with their pants down in 2022 and 2023.

In light of what Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hinted in Brussels now, NATO members should expect some fireworks. Simply because Fidan did not urge allies for the sake of making a speech when his turn was up.

Joe Biden Administration

The track record of the Joe Biden Administration in the international arena past three years is dismal to say the least. What changed in 2024 could not have helped or reversed the negative image of the administration.

In fact, if anything, America is now worse off than before. In 2024, America is now more dependent on Turkiye than ever before. So much so, Turkiye does not have to make any demands from America, never mind issuing an ultimatum of sorts.