US and Turkey align on energy and Middle East security after decade of rifts
Ten years after Türkiye's 2016 failed coup strained relations with Washington, the two NATO allies have shifted toward alignment on energy policy, regional security, and Middle East strategy, according to analysis by Barbara Leaf, former Assistant Secretary of State. The analysis argues that geopolitical pressures—including Russia's ongoing influence in the region and competition over energy corridors—have created mutual interests in cooperation despite historical tensions. This matters globally because US-Turkish coordination affects NATO's eastern flank, energy markets serving Europe, and the balance of power in an increasingly volatile Middle East. The discussion examines how both capitals are navigating competing interests with Russia, Iran, and regional proxies.
📹 Source Video
This item is classified as Analysis. Claims about current US-Turkish alignment reflect the source's arguments and characterization by former State Department official Barbara Leaf, not independently verified findings by this outlet. The underlying historical event (2016 coup) is confirmed by 100+ US MSM articles.
✓ Verified
- ✓A failed coup occurred in Türkiye in 2016. (Source: Historical record, widely documented by US and international media)
- ✓The 2016 coup attempt strained US-Turkish relations. (Source: US State Department records, 100+ US mainstream media articles found)
~ Interpretation
- ~Washington and Ankara are now aligned on energy, regional security, and Middle East navigation. (Source argument: Leaf analysis, not independently verified by this outlet)
- ~Dynamics between US and Türkiye have shifted dramatically over the past decade. (Source characterization by Leaf, per TRT World framing)
▸▾Why this is here
Learn about our confidence system → · What qualifies a story →
Stay with this story
Response links are not endorsements. They are restrained ways to learn more, track updates, and ask better questions.
Share responsibly
Share the story with context, not outrage. Include what is known and what remains unclear.
Eligibility: Geopolitical conflict is limited to learning, tracking, and careful sharing. View taxonomy →
Did this feel useful, agenda-driven, or unclear?
Get stories like this every morning.
Free daily briefing, 5 minutes, no spin.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.