Generating Momentum for a New Era in U.S.-Turkey Relations

The fabric of the relationship between the United States and Turkey is badly frayed and in urgent need of repair. The long-established pattern of U.S.-Turkish security cooperation and crisis management abruptly came to a halt in early 2003 and has never recovered. Much of the tension between the two countries revolves around Washingtons decision to invade Iraq and the consequences of that invasion for the region. There has also been divergence on a variety of other important foreign policy issues, including Syria, Iran, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Coinciding with these differences has been a sharp increase in anti-Americanism in Turkey and marked disaffection with Turkey in Washington. This report offers a set of policy prescriptions for the near term. The authors also make recommendations for a broader framework to modernize the U.S.-Turkey relationship and to situate ties between Washington and Ankara on a solid foundation for the future.