House Members Propose Redesignation of Turkey as a Middle Eastern Country
A bipartisan group of House members is promoting legislation to redesignate Turkey as a Middle Eastern nation, highlighting its shift away from Western alliances towards adversaries. This proposal reflects growing concerns about Turkey’s international behavior, including ties to Russia and Iran, and military actions against Greece and Cyprus. The bill also requires State Department reporting on Turkey’s move away from Europe.
A bipartisan group of U.S. House representatives has introduced legislation this week to officially redesignate Turkey as a Middle Eastern country rather than a European one. This initiative aims to convey the message that the United States acknowledges Turkey’s shift away from its traditional Western alliances towards relationships with adversaries of the U.S. The legislation’s lead sponsors are Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
The proposed bill is intended to reflect Turkey’s increasing ties with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, as well as its support for Hamas and aggressive military actions against Greece and Cyprus. The sponsors assert that these developments are contrary to Western security interests and represent an anti-Western stance coupled with an alarming drift towards authoritarianism in Turkey. Consequently, the redesignation would align Turkey with nations like Iran, Syria, and Libya.
Representative Schneider stated, “Turkey is at a crossroads, but Erdoğan has made his choice. His government harbors Hamas operatives, props up Vladimir Putin’s war machine, and obstructs NATO unity — while still demanding the privileges of a Western ally.” He criticized the existing American diplomatic stance for continuing to regard Turkey as part of Europe despite its actions.
The bill is also supported by several other House members, including Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). This legislative effort follows a recent congressional hearing that raised concerns regarding Turkey’s position within the U.S. alliance framework. Furthermore, the bill mandates a report to Congress by the State Department, analyzing Turkey’s distancing from Europe.
This initiative has been introduced under the auspices of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance, advocating for a change in U.S. foreign policy that more accurately reflects Turkey’s current actions and international relations, and holds President Erdoğan accountable for his regime’s behavior.
In summary, a bipartisan initiative in the U.S. House proposes to redesignate Turkey as a Middle Eastern country to reflect its deviation from Western alliances and increasing ties with adversaries. This move is emblematic of growing concerns regarding Turkey’s foreign policy, its support for groups like Hamas, and military hostilities in the region. As the bill progresses, it aims to mandate a more accurate depiction of Turkey’s status within U.S. foreign policy and assert accountability for its actions.
Original Source: jewishinsider.com
