Why would anyone trust Turkey?

MSgt Donald G. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:25:15 -0400

Turkey tipped al Qaida group to U.S.-trained fighters
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/middle-east/article32206167.html

Syrian rebels: Turkey tipped al Qaida group to U.S.-trained fighters

The kidnapping of a group of U.S.-trained moderate Syrians moments after they entered Syria last month to confront the Islamic State was orchestrated by Turkish intelligence, multiple rebel sources have told McClatchy.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 10:33 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:33:24 -0400

What a mess... Turkey does not seem to be the ally we were looking for or needed in the region for this fight.

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Aug 26 at 2015 10:41 AM

PFC Joseph Levi — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:41:33 -0400

That sucks!!! We used Turkey as pathway to Kuwait. We used their rails and ports to rail in and ship in equipment. I believe that they are in some way getting kickbacks from Syria

Response by CW3 Eric W. S. made Aug 26 at 2015 10:43 AM

CW3 Eric W. S. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:43:05 -0400

It is not in Turkey's interest to assist the US. Turkey is the land-bridge between Asia and Europe. Turkey has to remain friendly to nearly every nation in the region to maintain their current status. Turkey does not want to alienate themselves from the Middle Eastern Islamic nations and is still trying to acquire admittance into the European Union. Tough stance to play on the fence for so long. The government is being run by the AKP and Edrogan, which is known for their Islamist leanings. In my time in Turkey, I observed many things that make an American cringe, simply because of the stance that Turkey takes toward all foreign nations. Reporting that Turkish Intelligence would sell out a group of US trained elements is not at all surprising or out of the question.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 10:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:55:39 -0400

They're only good for the strategic locations of the airfields we need. They can be trusted about as much as Iran...maybe a "little" more.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 26 at 2015 12:06 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:06:06 -0400

I haven't trusted Turkey since they refused to let the 4th ID through their territory to form the northern jaw of the pincer trapping Saddam's Republican Guard when they still wanted to fight - allowing Iraqi soldiers to fade into the population and form the insurgency instead of being wiped out.

When a NATO partner sides with the enemy they do not deserved to be in NATO, and certainly are never to be trusted again.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 26 at 2015 1:07 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:07:41 -0400

MSgt, the broader question would be "can we really trust anyone in that region"? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? We have to many enemies and not enough friends.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 4:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 16:05:16 -0400

Is Turkey providing more support in the fight against Daesh than Saudi Arabia who, depending on who you ask, spends a little more or a little less than Russia on defense?

Response by SPC Corbin Sayi made Aug 27 at 2015 5:28 AM

SPC Corbin Sayi — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:28:15 -0400

You can understand Turkey's stance by briefly studying Turkish history. Reminiscing their Ottoman Caliphate, many Turks (not all, of course) feel Islamic politics could use a stronger Sunni presence. What we classify as atrocities committed by ISIS is merely a reflection of what the Ottoman Turks have done in their campaigns. Most Turks are nationalists, obsessed with their historic empires (from the Gokturk Khaganate to the Ottoman Empire), ISIS is the excuse some radical Turks have been looking for.