Erdogan threatens to shut down US military bases after Congress recognition of Armenian genocide

Asmaa El-Batakoushy

The US Congress’ recognition of the Armenian genocide, perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during World War I has triggered fears of tensions between Ankara and Washington. The Congress formally designated on Dec. 12 the killings of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as “genocide”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to close two US military bases in his country in retaliation for any possible sanctions after the Congress’ recognition of the Armenian genocide.

Commenting on Erdogan’s threats, researcher Mohamed Rabie El-Deehy, an expert on Turkish affairs, said that Turkey “is adopting a foreign policy”, which is hostile to the United States.

“It also threatens the interests of European countries,” El-Deehy told THE REFERENCE, citing that Erdogan’s regime has been boosting ties with Russia, especially after Turkey got the Russian air defense systems S-400.

The researcher said that the Congress’ move would increase tensions, citing that Ankara has threatened to close the US bases.

However, El-Deehy said Erdogan “cannot” shot down the two US bases in Turkey, pointing out that such a move would trigger the US anger. “Turkey will not afford that,” he noted.

El-Deehy said if Turkey carried out its threat, it would be expelled from NATO.

For his part, Dr. Ayman Salama, a professor of international law, said that “there are 3 legal proofs”, which support the Armenians’ right to get compensation.

“In 1919, the Istanbul Court sentenced the Turkish military leaders, who were behind the massacre, to death,” Salama was quoted as saying by the local media. “That means Turkey has recognized the massacre of Armenians,” he said.

“Austria and Germany, which were Turkey’s allies in World War I, recognized the massacre of Armenians. Moreover, the consuls and official envoys of a number of foreign countries sent documents to their governments exposing Turkey’s killings of the Armenians,” he added.