"Trying to Move Turkey Away from the Russian Sphere of Influence
In the immediate aftermath of the Russo-Georgian War, I wrote that a major objective of US policy should be to revitalize the relationship with Turkey:
Rebuild the Relationship With Turkey. Turkey is another frontline state, and a largely overlooked one in commentary and analysis on the Russo-Georgian War. Turkey has a strong interest in keeping Georgia independent of Russia. The Turks have ambitions to be an energy hub, a bridge from the Caspian to Europe. Georgia is essential to realizing those ambitions. The Turks also have an ethnic affinity with Turkic peoples in Azerbaijan and the ‘Stans that would be more firmly in Moscow’s thrall if Russia controls the Georgian cork to the Caspian bottle. Turkey is also a historical enemy of Russia, with Russia’s 18th and 19th century expansion having come largely at Turkey’s (or, more precisely, the Ottoman Turks’) expense."
More:Trying to Move Turkey Away from the Russian Sphere of Influence -- Seeking Alpha