Turkey is the real key to American influence in the Middle East | The Hill

Turkey is the real key to American influence in the Middle East BY STEWART LATWIN, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR - 08/21/23 4:30 PM ET The United States has long viewed its relationship with Saudi Arabia as its most influential partnership in the Middle East. But Turkey is rapidly becoming a regional hegemon, while maintaining close ties to Europe and the U.S. through its NATO membership. With Turkey’s recent shift towards the West, as well as efforts to rebuild relationships with Middle East partners, its strategic importance is growing. If America wants to maintain its political and military power in the region, it needs to take advantage of this rise and forge closer relations with Turkey. More:Turkey is the real key to American influence in the Middle East | The Hill