Via Global Research
"However, while still a member of NATO in good standing, Turkey is now becoming a player in its own right, increasingly critical of the US and Israel. This transformation has taken place under the rule of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP), which came to power in 2002 and was soon forced to decide how it would deal with the US request to use Turkey as a base to invade neighbouring Iraq. The decision to refuse marked a new stage in Turkey’s foreign relations.
"The US is not always pleased with Turkey’s positions on its many wars and would-be wars, but is forced to make the best of the situation. US Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone recently said the US and Turkey share “almost” the same views on military action in Libya, and that Turkey had a unique role in the region and a special expertise because of historical and cultural reasons."
By Eric Walberg
