Turkey–U.S.: Indispensable allies confronting evolving threats

There is a historical trend prevalent in relations between Turkey and the West that dates back to the 17th century, when far-reaching state reforms were enacted following the 1648 Westphalia agreement, which established the concepts of territorial integrity and non-intervention. Turkey and the West continue to learn from one another – and this dynamic continues to inform domestic and foreign policy making in modern day Turkey.

These deep-rooted relations have enabled our Western counterparts over time to widen their horizons both culturally and geopolitically. Indeed, there exists a cyclical pattern of revitalization during periods of systemic global uncertainty and the recent rejuvenation of relations between Turkey and the U.S. should be viewed within this wider historical and political framework.

{mosads}The global challenges we face today represent a significant threat to our values, institutions and to human life throughout the world. In response to the pressing terrorist threat, the U.S. administration has led a broad international coalition against Daesh, to which Turkey has been a vital contributor. Turkey’s commitment to this cause is a clear sign of the bond that exists between our two countries and of the mutual commitment underpinning our fight against terror. It is also indicative of a wider agreement on the need for a comprehensive strategy, aimed at addressing the underlying regional problems facilitating the current instability.

These complex regional dynamics are fueled by the desperate survival strategies of autocratic regimes, compounded by a mix of regional rivalries, sectarianism and trans-regional intrusions. The Assad regime and Daesh are the main beneficiaries of this fluid geopolitical landscape and are responsible for the death and injury of hundreds of thousands of people and the mass exodus of millions more. It is regrettable to witness regional countries joining these dark forces to punish the Syrian people, paying lip service to the idea of peace and diplomacy in the process.

The revitalization of Turkish-U.S. relations, together with our recent rapprochement with the EU, provides renewed hope for addressing the fight against terrorism. The strategies we have devised and advanced together are aimed precisely at addressing the humanitarian crisis and combating extremism. Yet, for Turkey, the terms of this relationship cannot be solely predicated on security ties. There is a need for wider cooperation to ensure that our links go beyond NATO and EU and through to participation in any prospective Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

The Turkish-U.S. alliance is reliant on our respective capabilities guiding the long-term partnership. In this sense, we support the unwavering U.S. commitment for comprehensive regional security without discrimination against any regional actor. Turkey’s case is clear. We back legitimate governments with popular support, committed to peace processes. We will not let opportunism undermine the political map of the region in the form of a “greater” Sunnistan, Shiistan or Kurdistan. We will, in cooperation with our U.S. allies, continue to uphold the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq. We also welcome the recent Iranian deal led by the U.S. administration, which is a considerable achievement.

Against this backdrop, the recent visit of Vice President Biden to Turkey was a testament to the indispensable nature of our alliance and how we can leverage it to the benefit of promoting and maintaining peace and security in the broader region. By virtue of this visit, Turkey and the U.S. were able to discuss ways of making the fight against Daesh more effective through concrete joint steps, while also enhancing our cooperation with regard combating terrorism in Iraq. Once again, this visit, which will be followed by further high level visits, allowed both nations to fine tune their collaboration in ways that make this strategic partnership relevant to the challenges we are faced with today.

Turkey’s unwavering bonds of friendship, partnership and alliance with the U.S. constitute a fundamental basis for advancing stability in the broader region. Harnessed together, robust U.S. leadership and Turkey’s constructive role towards the many conflicts and crises in our vicinity provides us with the right combination for a way out of the current chaos that confronts the Euro-Atlantic region as a whole. This is a critical juncture for a region that faces a toxic blend of state failure and human insecurity. Only Washington and Ankara have the means and capabilities, coupled with the requisite political will, to bring forward sustainable solutions.

Sarıkaya is chief adviser to the prime minister of Turkey and chairman of the Turkey-USA Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.