Bipartisan group of lawmakers get tough on Turkey in new legislation

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation to redesignate Turkey as a Near Eastern country at the State Department, rather than a European country, reflecting Ankara’s shifting alliances with Russia, China, Iran, and Hamas. Led by Reps. Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis, the Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act aims to move Turkey’s designation from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs to the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

According to Rep. Schneider, Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has made choices that are fundamentally at odds with Western security interests. He pointed to Ankara’s support for Hamas operatives, ties with Russia, and obstruction of NATO unity as reasons for the proposed realignment. Rep. Bilirakis echoed these sentiments, stating that Erdogan’s actions pose a threat to American interests and contribute to regional instability.

In response, the Turkish government has defended its European identity, citing its membership in NATO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE, as well as its associate EU member status. An official from the Turkish embassy in Washington emphasized Turkey’s historical and geostrategic ties to Europe and its commitment to universal values represented by European institutions.

However, experts like Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies have raised concerns about Turkey’s behavior, describing it as adversarial and contrary to U.S. interests. Schanzer highlighted Turkey’s support for terrorist groups and rogue states, as well as its use of NATO to advance its own agenda, such as leveraging the sale of F-16 fighter jets for political gain.

Erdogan’s deepening relationship with Russia, particularly during the war in Ukraine, has raised further alarm among U.S. policymakers. Turkey’s purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system and its maintenance of trade and energy ties with Russia have put it at odds with the rest of the NATO alliance.

The proposed legislation would require the State Department to reassign Turkey’s diplomatic status within 90 days and conduct a five-year congressional review on the consequences of Turkey’s realignment away from Europe. Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, praised the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to dealing with Ankara’s changing alliances.

Overall, the introduction of the Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act reflects growing concerns about Turkey’s foreign policy direction and its impact on U.S. interests. By formally recognizing Turkey as a Near Eastern country, the legislation aims to address the challenges posed by Ankara’s shifting alliances and ensure alignment with Western security priorities.