Turkish MPs approve new NATO expansion
RTFEB 2024
Biden Urges Congress to Quickly Approve F-16 Sale to Turkey
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US State Department has been prepared to send Turkey the fighter jets it needs as Ankara has worked to fulfill its end of the bargain. While Hungary is still slightly further behind in its voting process, America must fulfill its promise to Ankara in return for geostrategic cooperation. NATO consists of partners, which is why Washington is cooperating with Turkey and respecting the processes of other member states.
Establishment-critical narrative
Even in the eyes of the Washington establishment, sending Turkey billions of dollars worth of weapons is not helping America's cause. While Turkey is justified in questioning Israel's recent actions and bringing Finland and Sweden into NATO, it has also been a safe haven for Hamas and the Islamic State group as well as hints of Russian collaboration. If Washington thinks sending weapons to Turkey gives the US leverage, it's sorely mistaken.