The shift was part of a change in tone that underscores how, despite alarm at Turkey’s behaviour in Syria, Nato is determined to keep Turkey close, diplomats said. “Host to US nuclear warheads at its Incirlik air base and with the second-largest military in the alliance, Turkey gives the alliance a strategic presence, notably on the Black and Mediterranean seas. Turkey joined Nato in 1952. Ultimately, allies agree that Turkey is crucial to the alliance, given its strategic position between Europe and Asia. Historically that has worked,” said Jamie Shea, a former Nato official now at the Friends of Europe think-tank.

Source: The Express Tribune October 25, 2019 17:48 UTC