With NATO Radar Turkey Loses Valuable Partners
Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, Asia Times | September 13, 2011
Turkey's decision to host the NATO anti-missile radar may please its Western allies, but will "build a wall of distrust" with its regional neighbors. ++ Both Russia and Iran perceive the missile defence system as a direct threat to their national security. ++ Turkey risks undermining its potential for taking on a leadership role in the Middle East. ++By alienating its eastern partners, Turkey is disregarding its own "zero problems with neighbors" policy. ++ Relations with Iran and Russia could be irreversibly damaged once the radar is put into place.
