Retired Ambassador Rende Worries Turkey May Drift From West Over New Defense Pact

Retired Ambassador Mithat Rende voiced significant apprehension regarding Turkey's recent involvement in a trilateral defense pact, fearing it could lead to a detachment from Western alliances. Rende shared his views in an interview with Cumhuriyet, suggesting the agreement seems to be a U.S. initiative primarily targeting Iran.

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What is apparent is that this is a defense agreement desired by the U.S., seemingly directed against Iran.

"What is apparent is that this is a defense agreement desired by the U.S., seemingly directed against Iran," Rende stated. He highlighted the need for clarity on the specifics of a clause within the pact that reportedly resembles NATO's structure. Rende expressed reservations about characterizing the pact as an "Islamic NATO," a term he finds inaccurate and potentially misleading.

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I carry the concern that Turkey might drift away from the West.

His primary concern revolves around Turkey's geopolitical orientation. "I carry the concern that Turkey might drift away from the West," Rende remarked, underscoring the potential strategic implications of this new defense alignment. The ambassador's comments reflect a cautious perspective on the pact's long-term consequences for Turkey's foreign policy and its relationships with traditional Western partners.

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I do not find the expression 'Islamic NATO' accurate.