Turkey: Issues & Relations with the U.S. & the Kurds of Iraq

Several Turkish domestic and foreign policy issues have significant relevance for U.S. interests, and Congress plays an active role in shaping and overseeing U.S. relations with Turkey. This book provides background information on Turkey and discusses possible policy options for Members of Congress and the Obama Administration. U.S. relations with Turkey – a long-time North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally – have evolved over time. Turkey’s economic dynamism and geopolitical importance have increased its influence regionally and globally. Although Turkey still depends on the United States and other NATO allies for political and strategic support, its increased economic and military self-reliance since the Cold War allows Turkey relatively greater opportunity for an assertive role in foreign policy. Along with the background of Turkey and their relations with the United States, this book discusses the Turkey-Kurdish regional government relations after the United States withdrawal from Iraq.