Turkey's Snap Elections and the Impact on U.S.-Turkey Relations

These elections come at a time when Turkey’s relationship with the U.S. – its NATO ally and foremost security partner – is facing numerous challenges. Turkey and the U.S. remain at odds over the latter’s support of the YPG in Syria, which Ankara considers to be a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, various pieces of recent Congressional legislation have proposed bans on weapons sales to Turkey in response to Ankara’s purchase of Russian military equipment and the continued imprisonment of American citizens in Turkey.How will this critical turning point in Turkey’s domestic governance affect its vital relationship with the U.S.?Join THO on May 31 for a discussion with Turkish and American experts on how developments surrounding these snap elections and Turkey’s transition to a presidential system could impact the U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship.

Speakers:
Richard Leiby – Editor and writer, The Washington Post
Ragip Soylu – Washington Correspondent, Daily Sabah
Shawn Turner – CNN National Security Analyst and Director of Communication, Center for a New American Security
Yusuf Erim – Turkey Analyst, TRT World (Joining via Skype)
Guy Taylor – National Security Team Leader, The Washington Times

Moderator:
Prof. Herbert Reginbogin – THO Advisory Board Member