Trump Regime Illegally Sanctions Turkey

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

US sanctions are weapons of war by other means.

Largely imposed on nations free from US imperial control, they also at times target allies for forgetting who's boss.

Both right wings of the US war party use them unacceptably — despite history showing sanctions don't work.

They consistently fail to achieve geopolitical aims sought by this action.

On Monday, the Trump regime targeted NATO ally Turkey, Pompeo saying the following:

US sanctions were imposed on the country for "engaging in a significant transaction with Rosoboronexport, Russia's main arms export entity, by procuring the S-400 surface-to-air missile system."

"The sanctions include a ban on all US export licenses and authorizations to SSB (Turkey's weapons procurement entity) and an asset freeze and visa restrictions on Dr. Ismail Demir, SSB's president, and other SSB officers."

Targeted individuals are prohibited from traveling to the US.

The Trump regime falsely claimed that Ankara's purchase of Russia's state-of-the-art air defense system "would endanger the security of US military technology and personnel (sic)."

"Today's action sends a clear signal that the" US won't tolerate disobedience to its demands.

The Trump regime wants Turkey to cancel its purchase, return what it bought three years ago from Russia, and buy inferior US air defense surface-to-air missiles. 

Its action is one of many examples of unacceptable US imperial arrogance.

In response to Monday's action, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said the following:

"We condemn and reject the decision to impose unilateral sanctions against Turkey as announced today by the US in the context of Turkey's acquisition of S-400 air defense systems."

"The conditions which compelled Turkey to acquire S-400 systems are well known." 

"Trump himself has admitted on many instances that Turkey's acquisition was justified."

"The US recourse to unilateral sanctions, by refusing our proposal to solve this matter through dialogue and diplomacy as befitting two allies, is completely senseless."

"Turkey will take the necessary steps against this decision, which will negatively affect our relations and will retaliate in a manner and timing it deems appropriate." 

"Turkey will never refrain from taking the necessary measures to safeguard its national security."

Head of Turkey's SSB Ismail Demir said despite Washington's hostile action, "development of (its)  domestic industry will continue, perhaps even faster."

Unacceptable US sanctions "will be a flare and a warning." Turkey's policies remain firm.

When Ankara contracted to buy Russian S-400s in 2017, the Trump regime falsely claimed that they're incompatible with NATO systems and will endanger US F-35s.

Ankara stressed that the Russian air defense systems won't be integrated into NATO systems.

No do they threaten the US and other alliance countries.

Washington wants all nations on its target list for regime change marginalized, weakened, contained, and isolated.

That's what lies behind its rage over Turkey's purchase from Russia.

It's also a warning to other nations interested in buying its S-400s, along with other sophisticated systems and weapons.

Commenting on Monday's action, Trump regime assistant secretary of state for international security Christopher Ford said Turkey's Erdogan left "us with no choice (sic)," adding:

This step was "very carefully pursued, and we tried very hard to give Ankara every opportunity to find a better path forward, and it hasn't done so."

On Monday, Erdogan said he "expect(s) support from (the US), not sanctions," calling the action "disrespectful," adding:

He'll "be patient (to) see" if US foreign policy changes when Biden/Harris replace Trump in January.

According to Reuters, the incoming US regime may impose its own sanctions on Turkey for its S-400 purchase.

A Final Comment

On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin wished Biden/Harris "every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which bear special responsibility for global security and stability, can really contribute to solving many problems and challenges that the world now faces despite their differences."

Since Soviet Russia dissolved in 1991, Dems have been more hardline on the Russian Federation than Republicans.

Trump's efforts to improve US relations with Moscow were sabotaged by hardliners surrounding him.

Dismal US relations with Russia are likely to worsen when a new regime in Washington replaces the current one.

VISIT MY WEBSITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

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