Turkey is continuing to press on with demands for a full and open investigation into the Murder of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi, something the Saudi & US administrations would like to suppress – it seems at any price given the recent US actions. It is easy to understand the Saudi position on this, however, the US administrations attempt to protect Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is less clear unless you factor in economic & political agendas.
Although the murder is a clear contravention of international law and a violation of Turkish sovereignty the Trump administration who have already strained relations with Turkey with their support for the controversial Kurdish militia seem to be trying to be more conciliatory by offering help (bribes?) in a couple of areas.
Suddenly after considerable wrangling, it seems like the US administration has suddenly decided to ask Law Enforcement agencies to investigate how Fetullah Güle can be extradited. Strange given that Turkey’s two-year-old extradition request has previously been found it without merit. This move has incensed the various agencies involved and as NBC report if Donald Trump elects to throw Fetullah Güle under the proverbial “bus” it will make a mockery of the whole extradition system. This would be doubly deplorable as it would undoubtedly lead to his death.
Not content with that the administration is also prepared to turn on the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK, which Turkey regard as terrorists. The U.S. announced last week that it was offering a total of $12 million in bounties for the capture of the leadership of the PKK. Yes the same PKK who are part of the Kurdish Militia that they have been supporting to do their dirty work in the fight against Islamic State.
Many will call the timing coincidental, but to some, it appears that there is no length that the Trump administration won’t go to where there is money and regional influence at stake.
