Turkey Remains a Steadfast Ally of the U.S.
Re “Turkey Drifts Further From U.S.,” Dec. 14: Your depiction of a “deepening rift” in U.S.-Turkish ties, especially regarding Iraq, mischaracterizes the relationship between Turkey and the United States and is not supported by the facts.
Turkey supports -- and is contributing to -- U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq. Turkey was the first Muslim nation to offer peacekeepers for post-conflict Iraq in October with coalition forces. When U.S. military leaders faced a bottleneck last winter in rotating forces in Iraq, Turkey permitted the use of the Incirlik Air Base for the transit of tens of thousands of American troops. And as your article notes, as much as 40% of all noncombatant supplies for U.S. forces in Iraq are produced in -- and shipped from -- Turkey.
Turkey also contributes to Iraq’s stabilization in civil and humanitarian areas, transporting supplies to Iraqis in dire need of aid and providing electricity to help relieve severe postwar power shortages. Turkey also plays a critical role in the transit of Iraqi oil to international markets, stimulating its economic recover.
Like the U.S., Turkey has paid a price for these efforts. More than 60 Turkish truckers have been killed, some of them beheaded.
Turkey will always be on the forefront together with the U.S. as a determined ally should be, to advance peace, democracy and security worldwide.
A. Engin Ansay
Consul General
Turkey, Los Angeles
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