DATA & FIGURES
$100 million in potential military sales to Turkey, 2019 as the year Turkey was ejected from the F-35 programme, 2023 as the year the Middle East conflicts began, and 2026 as the current year
THE SCENARIO
The US-Turkey relationship has been complex and often tumultuous, with the two countries having differing interests in the Middle East. The US has sought to maintain a balance of power in the region, while Turkey has sought to assert its influence and protect its interests. The decision to lift sanctions on Turkey could be seen as a strategic move by the US to bolster its relationship with a key NATO ally and to counter the growing influence of Russia and Iran in the region
DIRECT QUOTE
"We don't want to sanction friends" — Donald Trump, President of the United States
BBN INSIGHT
The US decision to lift sanctions on Turkey and potentially allow its return to the F-35 programme has significant implications for the balance of power in the Middle East. On the positive side, the move could help to strengthen the US-Turkey relationship and provide a boost to Turkey's economy. However, on the negative side, the move could be seen as a threat to Israel's military edge in the region, and could potentially destabilize the delicate balance of power in the Middle East. The move also raises questions about the potential risks of allowing a country with significant ties to Russia to participate in the F-35 programme, and the potential consequences for the US and its allies in the region