Michael Rubin, in his recent article, has firmly opposed any further White House visits for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, criticised Erdoğan’s actions, particularly his handling of foreign relations and internal politics.
Rubin’s central argument revolves around Erdoğan’s problematic partnership with both Washington and Moscow, exploiting this relationship for personal and national gain.
Rubin highlighted Erdoğan’s involvement in various international conflicts and controversial actions, including the aiding of Russia in evading sanctions, the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, and support for groups like Hamas and al Qaeda affiliates.
The article also touches upon recent diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ankara, aiming to secure Turkey’s approval for Sweden’s NATO membership, which Rubin views as misguided, arguing that Erdoğan’s history suggests he is not a trustworthy or reliable partner. He pointed out Erdoğan’s strategic manipulation of diplomatic relations, as exemplified in his interactions with then-Secretary of State Colin Powell before the 2003 Iraq war.
Rubin proposed that instead of offering incentives to Erdoğan, like a potential White House visit or military equipment, it would be more prudent to recognise him as a problem rather than a solution. He suggested that rewarding Turkey’s government for actions that should be standard for responsible governments only encourages further blackmail.
The article concluded with a recommendation to reconsider Turkey’s role in NATO and to isolate it until better policies are formulated.
For a full read of Michael Rubin’s perspectives, the article can be accessed here.
